It's common practice to install a new distributor cap and rotor whenever new
Spark Plug Wires are installed, and on models with the
Ignition Coil mounted in the cap, the coil must be transferred to the new cap. Begin by removing the air cleaner assembly, then loosen the distributor cap mounting screws, noting that they have a shoulder and do not come completely out. For some models, release the cap held by latches that resemble screws by pushing down with a screwdriver and turning them about 1/2-turn. Pull up on the cap with the wires attached to separate it from the distributor and position it aside. The rotor will now be visible on the end of the distributor shaft; check it for cracks, carbon tracks, and ensure the center terminal spring tension is adequate while looking for corrosion and wear on the rotor tip. If replacement is necessary, detach the rotor from the shaft and install a new one, ensuring it is indexed correctly. Check the distributor cap for carbon tracks, cracks, and damage, closely examining the terminals for excessive corrosion. If in doubt about the condition of the cap, replace it, applying a small dab of silicone lubricant to each terminal before installation and ensuring the carbon brush is correctly installed. For models with a separately mounted ignition coil, separate the cap from the distributor and transfer the spark plug wires one at a time, being careful not to mix them up. Reattach the cap and tighten the screws or reposition the latches. For coil-in-cap distributors, push the spark plug wire retainer latches away from the coil cover, lift the retainer ring away with the spark plug wires attached, disconnect the battery/tachometer/coil electrical connector, remove the coil cover screws, and lift off the cover. Note the terminal connections for the three small spade connectors on wires extending from the coil, then use a small screwdriver to free them. Remove the coil mounting screws and lift the coil out, ensuring to install a new rubber arc seal in the new cap when reinstalling the coil. Finally, install the coil screws, reconnect the wires, place the coil cover back on, install the cap on the distributor, plug in the coil electrical connector, and install the spark plug wire retaining ring.