Distributors & Parts

Fundamentals

A distributor is a device in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine that routes high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. Principles

The distributor in an ignition system itself has two parts; the rotor and the distributor cap. Like the name implies, this part distributes electricity from the coil to the spark plugs and wires and the cylinders of the vehicle’s engine. The number of cylinders depends upon the vehicle but is commonly either four or five cylinders. Like spark plugs and wires the distributor cap and rotor become worn out and need to be replaced periodically.