Distributor: Description and Operation

Distributor - Exploded View:

PURPOSE
Used to distribute spark to the correct terminal of distributor cap. Also contains the crank angle sensor.

LOCATION
At the back of the cylinder head.


OPERATION
The distributor is operated by the camshaft. The distributor has a shaft that is connected to the cam. This shaft turns at the same speed as the cam. Mounted to the top of this shaft is the distributor rotor. Mounted to the top of the distributor housing is the distributor cap. High voltage enters the center electrode in the distributor cap and is conducted to the center electrode of the distributor rotor. As the rotor turns, voltage passes through the rotor and to the nearest output electrode of the cap. It then passes through the ignition wire to the spark plug. This distributor is equipped with an optical crank angle sensor. Refer to COMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMS for description and operation.