Should I replace my distributor?
Replacing the distributor cap and rotor at the same time should be completed every 50,000 miles, regardless of whether or not they are damaged. If your vehicle does not put on a lot of miles every year, it’s also a good idea to replace them every three years.
What should I do when replacing my distributor?
Assuming you are replacing the distributor, take out the hold-down clamp that keeps it in place. Some of these are hard to see, but locate it and remove the clamp and hardware. There’s no reason to mark the old distributor since it won’t be going back in. Now compare the new (or rebuilt) distributor with the old one. Are they identical?
Where to put a distributor on an engine?
To make it a little easier to install the new distributor, it’s a good idea to mark a location on the outside of the distributor housing where the distributor is mounted to the engine. Choose a spot for which you can find a corresponding location on the new distributor.
Do you need timing light to replace distributor?
Find the timing specifications for your vehicle. Replacing the distributor requires you to use a timing light to set the timing of the engine after the new distributor is installed. To do this, you’ll need to use the timing specifications unique to your vehicle.
How do you remove the distributor cap on a car?
When done, remove the distributor cap. Place cylinder #1 on its compression stroke’s top dead center (TDC) position by turning the crank pulley till its mark aligns with the 0° mark on the timing scale bolted to the front of the engine.
How can you tell if a distributor is bad?
A classic telltale sign that your distributor is going bad is unexplained shaking whenever the car is running. This can range from a vibrating sensation to a more pronounced shaking that can be felt throughout the vehicle.
How do you remove a distributor?
Removing the Old Distributor Locate the distributor. Find the timing specifications for your vehicle. Disconnect the distributor cap. Remove all wires attached to the distributor. Mark the engine mounting point. Mark the position of the rotor. Remove the old distributor.
How do you know if you need a new distributor cap?
If you notice that your car has trouble starting on a regular basis, check the distributor cap for cracks. If you see one, you need to have the cap replaced. Even if there aren’t cracks in the cap, there may be corrosive materials on the inside of the cap, which would also render it ineffective.
When to change distributor cap?
Replacing the distributor cap and rotor at the same time should be completed every 50,000 miles, regardless of whether or not they are damaged. If your vehicle does not put on a lot of miles every year, it’s also a good idea to replace them every three years.