Distributor Cap: Description and Operation

Cap And Static Shield:

The distributor cap, clipped to the top of the distributor, is used to make the connection between the coil wire and the correct spark plug wire. The static shield provides radio static suppression so the high energy sparking that occurs inside the cap does not interfere with radio transmission/reception. The shield is grounded via the distributor cap clips.

Cut-Away View Of Distributor Cap:

OPERATION
High tension current enters the cap through the center terminal, flows through the spring loaded carbon brush to the rotor. From the rotor it is distributed to the four cylinder towers in a pre-set sequence and then to the spark plug wires which carry the current on to the spark plugs.