A car’s distributor is an integral component, responsible for dispensing high-voltage electrical pulses to spark plugs at just the right moment. Like an engine’s traffic cop, its role is to distribute electrical energy from an ignition coil to each spark plug in proper firing order. Older ignition systems housed rotor and distributor caps which were responsible for timing spark plug firing to ensure smooth engine operations; while newer engines utilize different ignition systems; older engine models were often dependent on having one as part of its functioning system.
What do you mean by Distributor?
In the context of automotive, it is an important component of older ignition systems in automobiles. Its main function is to regulate the distribution and timing of high voltage electrical pulses to spark plugs in the engine
As a coordination center it takes electric energy generated by the ignition coil before distributing it to every spark plug within the engine’s firing sequence.
This timing-based spark ignition is crucial for starting combustion within the engine’s cylinders at the appropriate time. However, a majority of modern automobiles have various ignition systems, including the coil-on-plug system, which doesn’t use the distributor.
The above rotor button is supplied with coil-induced power. This is then dispersed to individual contractors with caps for each cylindrical cylinder in a precise way.
In essence, the distributor’s rotor button functions as an electrical connection that supplies power to every spark plug wire via intermittent continuity using electrodes that are mounted on individual caps.
If a rotor’s button’s finger contacts the electrode of a cylinder, the power is discharged from the appropriate plug wire to the spark plug of the cylinder.
Symptoms of Bad Distributor in Car
A Bad distributor in your car leads to various problems in your ignition system. There are some common symptoms of a failing distributor in a car are as follows:-
#Difficulty Starting
A failing distributor can cause issues with starting the engine. You might experience a defective distributor cap that won’t provide the spark needed. So, the engine will be cranking but it won’t start. nice prolonged cranking or the engine not starting at all.
#Engine Misfires
Misfiring, where the engine stutters or jerks during acceleration, can indicate a problem with the distributor. This issue can affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.
#Stalling
A malfunctioning distributor might cause the engine to stall unexpectedly while idling or driving, especially at lower speeds.
#Decreased Power and Performance
You might notice a significant decrease in engine power or overall performance, such as sluggish acceleration or reduced throttle response.
#Poor Fuel Economy
Issues with the distributor’s timing or spark delivery can result in inefficient combustion, leading to decreased fuel efficiency..
#Backfiring
A failing distributor can cause the engine to backfire, producing popping noises from the exhaust or intake manifold during deceleration or acceleration.
What is the Replacement Cost of Distributor ?
Cost estimates for replacing a distributor can depend on various factors, including your vehicle make and model, the type of distributor installed, labor expenses and whether new or remanufactured parts are being installed.
On average, parts could range between $150-500 while labor expenses might run anywhere from $80 to $150 an hour, depending on mechanic rates or complexity of task at hand. Replacement could total anywhere between $250-1K overall including both parts and labor.
What are the Function of Distributor
A vehicle’s ignition system relies on its distributor for timing and distribution of high-voltage electrical pulses to its spark plugs. It serves a number of functions that include managing timing and distribution as well as timing distribution to help ensure accurate timing between electrical pulses sent from ignition coil to spark plugs.
- Timing:-A distributor’s job is to synchronize the ignition of spark plugs within an engine’s cylinders for optimal combustion, providing accurate ignition times and spark plug firing timings that maximize combustion efficiency.
- Distribution:-This component receives electricity from the ignition coil and distributes it evenly among each spark plug to ensure smooth engine operation.
- Control of Ignition:- By rotating and sending electrical pulses at just the right moment to spark plugs, distributors manage ignition processes in engines in order to spark combustion reactions that produce power for engines.
