Distributor Contact Set

A distributor contact set, also known as a distributor cap and rotor, is a component of the ignition system in a vehicle. It is responsible for distributing the high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order.

The distributor contact set consists of two main parts: the distributor cap and the rotor. The distributor cap is a plastic or metal cover that sits on top of the distributor and contains a series of metal contacts, one for each spark plug. The rotor is a rotating arm inside the distributor cap that makes contact with each of these contacts in the correct sequence.

When the ignition coil sends a high voltage pulse to the distributor, the rotor spins and makes contact with the appropriate contact in the distributor cap. This allows the high voltage to be transferred to the spark plug, which then creates a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.

Over time, the distributor contact set can wear out due to the constant electrical arcing that occurs during operation. This can lead to misfires, rough running, and poor engine performance. It is important to regularly inspect and replace the distributor contact set as needed to ensure proper ignition system function.

When replacing the distributor contact set, it is recommended to also replace the spark plugs and ignition wires to ensure a complete ignition system refresh. Additionally, it is important to properly align the rotor and distributor cap to ensure the correct firing order is maintained.

Overall, the distributor contact set is a crucial component of the ignition system that helps deliver the high voltage needed for spark plug ignition. Regular maintenance and replacement of this component can help ensure optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.