Cadillac 10452458 Cap,Distributor

Four-cylinder engines have a distributor-less ignition system, with spark plug wires connected directly to the ignition coils. The V6 engine, on the other hand, uses a distributor mounted at the rear of the block. To properly maintain the spark plug wires, they should be checked at recommended intervals and whenever new spark plugs are installed. When inspecting the wires, it is important to do so one at a time to avoid mixing up the order, which is crucial for proper engine operation. To disconnect the plug wire from the spark plug, grab the rubber boot, twist slightly, and pull the wire off. Avoid pulling on the wire itself, only on the rubber boot. Inside the boot, check for corrosion, which appears as a white crusty powder. Push the wire and boot back onto the spark plug, ensuring a tight fit. If it is not secure, remove the wire and use pliers to crimp the metal connector inside the boot until it fits properly. Use a clean rag to wipe the entire length of the wire, removing any dirt and grease. While cleaning, check for burns, cracks, and other damage, being careful not to excessively bend or pull the wire lengthwise to prevent conductor breakage. For four-cylinder engines, disconnect the wire from the coil pack, again pulling only on the rubber boot. For V6 engines, disconnect the wire from the distributor at the rear of the engine. Check for corrosion and a tight fit, replacing the wire at the coil pack or distributor as needed. Proceed to check the remaining spark plug wires one at a time, ensuring they are securely fastened at the ignition coil or distributor and the spark plug. If new spark plug wires are necessary, purchase a set specific to your engine model, and replace them one at a time to avoid mix-ups in the firing order. To inspect the distributor cap, remove it by taking out the cap retaining screws. Look inside for cracks, carbon tracks, and worn, burned, or loose contacts. Remove the retaining screws and pull the rotor off the distributor shaft, examining it for cracks and carbon tracks. If any damage or defects are found, replace the cap and rotor. It is recommended to install a new cap and rotor when installing new spark plug wires. When doing so, remove the wires from the old cap one at a time and attach them to the new cap in the exact same location to prevent firing order mix-ups.

It is common practice to install a new distributor cap and rotor when new spark plug wires are installed. To gain access to the distributor cap, the air cleaner assembly may need to be removed. The distributor cap mounting screws should be loosened, and on some models, the cap is held in place with latches that can be released by pushing down with a screwdriver and turning them about 1/2-turn. The cap can then be pulled up, with the wires attached, to separate it from the distributor. The rotor, which is visible on the end of the distributor shaft, should be checked for cracks, carbon tracks, corrosion, and wear. If replacement is required, the rotor can be detached from the shaft and a new one can be installed. The rotor is indexed to the shaft and can only be installed one way. The distributor cap should also be checked for carbon tracks, cracks, and other damage. The terminals on the inside of the cap should be closely examined for excessive corrosion and damage. If in doubt about the condition of the cap, it should be replaced with a new one. When replacing the cap, the spark plug wires should be transferred one at a time to the new cap, being careful not to mix them up. Finally, the cap should be reattached to the distributor and the screws should be tightened or the latches should be repositioned to hold it in place.

The rotor should be checked for cracks, carbon tracks, corrosion, and wear.