Repair Topics / Engine Distributor

• How an ignition system works
• How to test an ignition system
• Why does my engine run rough?
• Why does my engine stall at idle?
• How do I change my spark plugs?
• Why does my engine crank over but not start?
• Why won't my engine crank over?
• Why does my engine have low power output?
• How a distributor works
• How does a MAF mass air flow sensor work?
• How to test an oxygen sensor

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Car Engine Distributor Questions and Answers - This category contains featured questions as examples. They relate to most vehicles.

Question: 1989 Honda Accord mileage: 78,000. All of a sudden I'm am hearing a very bad squeal under my distributor cap when I pulled into a gas station. Upon reaching home, I took off the cap and noticed a lot of clay colored powder underneath. I replaced the cap and rotor and used forced air to blow the inside clean, however I still hear the loud squealing sound underneath the cap when the engine is running. The shaft does not seem loose and the engine runs smooth when it is running. Am I supposed to lubricate something? (With what?) Or is there another problem with the distributor.

Answer:   It sounds like your bearings have failed and the distributor will have to be replaced.

Question: 1999 Toyota Prius mileage: 65,500. What is the problem with my distributor? I have heard repeating noise from it when the engine running. I opened it and saw the rotor edge was damaged, so I replaced a new rotor that I bought from a local Toyota dealer. But the noise still won't go away. I also check ignition coil's primary resistance, which was 0.7 ohm [within specification?]. The secondary resistance was 12.51 K ohms. Additional information: 1. In Aug 2000, a local Toyota dealer installed new timing belts and new starter for my car. 2. Only the silicon portion that was connected to spark plug in engine # 1 turned to dark orange color. It was black color before the noise symptom. 3. My car had a new distributor at 32,500 miles.

Answer: The problem with your distributor may be a bad bearing allowing the shaft to wobble. In addition, replace the distributor, it may be time to replace the cap and plug wires.

Question: 1989 Honda Accord mileage: 80,000.  How often does a distributor usually last (need to be replaced)?  I just got it replaced 4 years ago and now my car is dead. Mechanic says the distributor needs to be replaced.  Does that sound right?

Answer: Normally, distributors last the lifetime of the car.  Unfortunately, Honda has had a problem with their distributors failing prematurely.  Your mechanic is probably right here.

Question: 1988 Mazda Tribute mileage: 32,500.  I recently bought the car and it started and ran fine.  Then I washed out the engine compartment with a hose.  Now the car will not start.  No spark.  The distributor cap and wires are OK.  There is voltage at the ignition coil and igniter.  The engine diagnostic code says 2 flashes - my shop manual says this means "Distributor No signal".  What can I do?

Answer:   Check your timing belt, if ok then replace the ignition pick up coil.

Question:   1989 Toyota Camry mileage: 91,500.  This car has had a history of distributor cap problems.  I was driving it home when it stalled on me.  I got it repaired at a local repair shop.  They said that the ignition coil had burned out.  I brought the car home but found that the same problem still existed.  When the car heats up (to the normal engine temp), it stalls and will not turn over until the engine is cool again.  If the engine does turn over when it is warm, it will spit and sputter, race again (like normal) and then spit and sputter then stall.  I took it back to the same repair shop and they are saying that the igniter on the car is burned out as well.  The cost is $360 plus labor.  What is your expert opinion on this problem?

Answer:   All components of the ignition system are tied together.   If one is weak or starting to fail, it will put a strain on the rest of the system.  Check all ignition components.  Be sure spark plugs are recently replaced with the factory recommend brand, heat range and gap.  If the spark plug wires are several years old, replace them.   Check the engine ground wires.

Question: 1955 Chevy Del Ray 6 cyl mileage: 72,200.  I was replacing the distributor cap on my car and messed up terribly!  Took off all the wiring without noting which wire goes with the right spark plug.  Please help!  Please, explain as if you were explaining to a 2 year old.  Thank you!  Regards, JIF (worse than a shade tree mechanic)

Answer:   The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4 in a clockwise rotation.  Now the next step gets a little more involved.  To find number 1 on the distributor cap, slowly turn the engine over until the timing mark and the mark on the front crank pulley line up.  Remove the distributor cap.  The rotor will be pointing to number 1 or number 6.  (The engine turns over twice before number 1 fires.)  Starting with the terminal the rotor is pointing to, put number 1 plug wire there, next (clockwise) number 5, etc.  Now, if the engine starts, great!  If not, remove number 6 plug wire from the cap and plug number 1 wire in that terminal.  Now, clockwise number 5, etc.  Good Luck!

Question: 1989 Olds Alero mileage: 85,000.  I have recently purchased the above-mentioned auto for my son.  While tuning it for the coming winter I have found it impossible to get at the distributor cap and rotor.  From above I can get my hand in far enough to change the spark plug wires but that's all.   From below, I cannot even get near the distributor?.  Any suggestions or hints would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:   Some cars are not mechanic friendly.  Yours is one of them.  Just do the best you can from the top.

MORE: Ignition distributor questions

Repair Topics / Engine Distributor