Car Engine Distributor
What is a Car Engine Distributor?
A car engine distributor is a mechanical device that is used to distribute electrical current to the spark plugs in an internal combustion engine. It is a key component of the ignition system, and its function is to ensure that the spark plugs receive the correct amount of current at the correct time in order to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders.
How Does a Car Engine Distributor Work?
A car engine distributor consists of a number of components, including a rotor, a cap, and a set of points. The rotor is a rotating part that is connected to the engine’s camshaft. As the camshaft turns, the rotor rotates and makes contact with the points. The points are a set of electrical contacts that are connected to the spark plugs. When the rotor makes contact with the points, the electrical current flows through the points and out to the spark plugs.
The timing of the spark is controlled by the distributor. The distributor is designed to open the points at the correct time in the engine’s cycle, so that the spark plugs receive the current when the air-fuel mixture is at the correct point in the cylinder. The timing of the spark is critical for the efficient operation of the engine.
Types of Car Engine Distributors
There are two main types of car engine distributors: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical distributors are the traditional type of distributor, and they use a set of points to control the timing of the spark. Electronic distributors use a solid-state electronic circuit to control the timing of the spark. Electronic distributors are more accurate and reliable than mechanical distributors, and they are now found in most modern cars.
Troubleshooting Car Engine Distributor Problems
If you are experiencing problems with your car’s engine, the distributor may be the cause. Some of the common symptoms of a bad distributor include:
- Engine misfires
- Hard starting
- Poor fuel economy
- Backfiring
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have your car’s distributor checked by a qualified mechanic.
Conclusion
The car engine distributor is a critical component of the ignition system. It is responsible for distributing electrical current to the spark plugs at the correct time in the engine’s cycle. If the distributor is not working properly, it can cause a number of problems, including engine misfires, hard starting, poor fuel economy, and backfiring. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is important to have your car’s distributor checked by a qualified mechanic.
