Understanding the Distributor and Why You Need It for a Gas Engine

What Is a Distributor?

The distributor is a small part of your gas engine. It does a very important job. First of all, it sends electricity from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. Then it makes sure the sparks are in the right order. So this keeps your engine working smoothly.

Moreover, inside the distributor is a rotating part called a rotor. So as the rotor spins. Then it hits different points. Then each point sends a spark to the spark plugs. Hence, this spark ignites the fuel and pushes the piston. This is what makes your engine move.

Also, the distributor is connected to the ignition coil. Then, the coil creates a strong electrical current. Then the distributor sends it to the correct spark plug at the correct time. So if your distributor isn’t working properly. Then your engine won’t start. Also, it may run rough, have less power, or use more fuel.

Hence, the distributor makes sure that every spark is in the right place and at the right time. So without it, your engine can’t run properly.

Main Components of a Distributor

As you learn about what a distributor is? Now you will learn about the parts of a distributor.

i) Distributor Cap and Rotor: First of all, the distributor cap covers the top of the distributor. Then the rotor spins inside it. As it spins, it hits the points under the cap. Then it delivers electricity to every spark plug. So this causes the spark to reach the correct cylinder.

ii) Ignition Coil: Next, the ignition coil creates strong electricity. Then it converts the low voltage from your battery into high voltage. So without it, the spark plugs can’t work.

iii) Contact Breaker or Ignition Module: Then, if your distributor is mechanical, it has a contact breaker. So it opens and closes to control the spark. Moreover, if it’s electronic, then it has an ignition module. Also, it delivers the spark at the right time, but through sensors.

iv) Cam and Shaft: After that, the cam and shaft control the timing. Also, they rotate the rotor at the correct speed. So this keeps the spark in sync with the engine pistons.

v) Advance Mechanism: At last, the advance mechanism adjusts the spark timing. Then centrifugal advance uses rotating weights. And vacuum advance uses the vacuum of the engine. Both of these help the engine run better at different speeds.

How does the Distributor Work

As you learn about the main components of a distributor. Now you will learn about how a distributor works.

Step 1) Generating electricity: First of all, the ignition coil takes low-voltage electricity from your battery. Then it converts the low-voltage electricity into high-voltage electricity. So this strong electricity is needed for the spark plugs.

Step 2) Sending electricity to the distributor: Next, this strong electricity reaches the distributor. You can see this process clearly in a gasoline engine model , which shows how electricity flows to each cylinder in the correct order. Now, here, the electricity goes to each cylinder correctly.

Step 3) Rotating the rotor: Then, the rotor inside the distributor starts rotating. The rotor acts like a pointer. Moreover, it sends electricity to every spark plug in the correct order.

Step 4) Delivering electricity to the spark plugs: After that, as the rotor spins, it hits points under the distributor cap. Then the electricity travels through wires to every spark plug. So this causes each cylinder to fire on time.

Step 5) Burning the fuel and setting it in motion: Moreover, when the electricity reaches the spark plug, a spark is created. Then this spark ignites the fuel and air mixture in the cylinder. Hence, the piston is pushed downward. So this is what makes your engine move and drive.

Step 6) Timing: Afterward, the distributor keeps everything in sync with the engine cycle. Also, it ensures that the spark hits each piston at the right time. So this timing is crucial for the smooth running of the engine.

Step 7) Benefits of Timing: At last, when your distributor is working properly. Then, your engine runs efficiently. So you save fuel, protect the engine from damage. And also, you get better performance.

Types of Distributors

As you learn about how distributor works. Now you will learn the different types of distributors.

i) Mechanical Distributors

First of all, there are mechanical distributors. These are found in older vehicles. Also, you use them to break points to control the timing of the spark. After that, the rotor spins and hits the points. Then the electricity reaches each spark plug. Sometimes you need to adjust or clean the points.

ii) Electronic Distributor

Next, there are the electronic distributors. These are used in most modern vehicles. Also, they don’t use mechanical points. On the other hand, sensors tell the ignition module when to send a spark. So this keeps your engine running smoothly. Also, this saves fuel and reduces wear on engine parts.

iii) Distributor-less Ignition Systems (DIS)

Then, modern engines have distributor-less ignition systems, or DIS. So this system does not have a distributor at all. Also, the engine control unit (ECU) directly controls the spark timing. Hence, this makes your engine more reliable. Also, it reduces maintenance time.

Why You Need a Distributor in a Gas Engine

As you learn about the different types of distributors. Now you will learn about why you need a distributor in a gas engine.

• Ensuring Spark at the Right Time: First of all, the distributor confirms that every spark comes at the right time. So if the spark comes early or late, your engine may misfire or lose power.

• Maintaining Smooth Engine Performance: Next, the distributor helps your engine run smoothly. Also, when the spark arrives correctly. Then the pistons move in a perfect rhythm. So this makes your engine run quieter and more efficiently.

• Saving Fuel and Producing Less Smoke: Then, you remember that the distributor helps save fuel. Also, a spark at the right time burns the fuel more completely. Hence, your engine emits less harmful smoke.

• Protecting Engine Parts: At last, the distributor protects your engine from damage. Also, it prevents misfire or knocking. So, this protects the pistons, valves, and other parts.

Common Distributor Problems and Maintenance Tips

As you learn about why you need a distributor in a gas engine. Now you will learn common distributor problems and their maintenance tips.

• Damaged Cap or Rotor: First of all, the distributor cap or rotor can become damaged over time. If this happens, the spark does not reach the spark plug properly.
• Damaged Ignition Coil or Module: Next, the ignition coil or module can become damaged. If this happens, the distributor will not receive enough electricity.
• Dirty Contact Points or Moisture Issues: Then, sometimes the contact points become dirty, or moisture gets inside the distributor. So this can stop the flow of electricity. Then the sparks become weak or inconsistent.
• Maintenance Tips: At last, you should check your distributor regularly. Also, you clean the cap and rotor. Make sure there is no moisture inside. Also, inspect the wires and connections. Hence, regular maintenance helps keep your engine running smoothly. And also, prevents major problems.

Conclusion

In short, the distributor is important to your gas engine. It provides the right spark at the right time and keeps your engine working smoothly. Also, it saves fuel and protects your engine parts. So when understanding its components and maintenance. Then you can keep your engine reliable.

Furthermore, at EngineDIY , we offer you high-quality gas engines and distributors to keep your engine performing at its best.