Distributors For Vehicle Engines

Distributors For Vehicle Engines

Distributors for vehicle engines are a crucial component of the ignition system that is responsible for delivering high voltage current to the spark plugs. The distributor is a mechanical device that is mounted on the engine and is driven by the camshaft. It consists of a rotor, a distributor cap, and a set of high-tension wires that connect the cap to the spark plugs. The rotor rotates inside the distributor cap, making contact with the metal contacts that are connected to the spark plugs. The high voltage current is then transferred through the wires to the spark plugs, which ignite the fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders. In older vehicles, distributors were used to control the timing of the spark plugs, which was done mechanically by the position of the rotor. However, modern vehicles use electronic ignition systems that use sensors to determine the timing of the spark plugs, eliminating the need for a distributor to control the timing. There are several types of distributors for vehicle engines, including points-type distributors and electronic distributors. Points-type distributors use a set of contact points that open and close to control the timing of the spark plugs. Electronic distributors use sensors and an electronic control module to determine the timing of the spark plugs. Overall, distributors for vehicle engines are an essential component of the ignition system that plays a critical role in the operation of the engine. Without a properly functioning distributor, the engine may not start or may run poorly, leading to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption.

ignition system, spark plugs, rotor, distributor cap, high-tension wires

— Andrew Nelson

CITATION : "Andrew Nelson. 'Distributors For Vehicle Engines.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=376528 (Accessed on May 19, 2025)"