GM 19166099 Cap,Distributor

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. To access the distributor cap, remove the air cleaner assembly and loosen the distributor cap mounting screws, noting that the screws have a shoulder so they don't come completely out. On some models, the cap is held in place with latches that resemble screws; to release them, push down with a screwdriver and turn them about 1/2-turn. Pull up on the cap, with the wires attached, to separate it from the distributor, then position it to one side. The rotor will now be visible on the end of the distributor shaft; check it for cracks and carbon tracks, ensuring 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, noting that some rotors are press fit and can be pried off, while others are attached with screws. The rotor is indexed to the shaft for proper installation, and the distributor cap should be checked for carbon tracks, cracks, and damage, with a small dab of silicone lubricant applied to each terminal before installation. For models with a separately mounted ignition coil, separate the cap from the distributor and transfer the spark plug wires one at a time to the new cap, ensuring not to mix up the wires. For coil-in-cap distributors, push the spark plug wire retainer latches away from the coil cover, lift the retainer ring away from the distributor cap, disconnect the battery/tachometer/coll electrical connector, remove the coil cover screws, and lift the coil out of the cap. When installing the coil in the new cap, ensure a new rubber arc seal is installed, followed by the coil screws, wires in the connector hood, and the coil cover. Finally, install the cap on the distributor, plug in the coil electrical connector, and install the spark plug wire retaining ring on the distributor cap.

As it will be seen later, it is important that the spark plug wires should be connected to the distributor cap in a specific way. First, go to auto parts store to buy a new distributor cap suitable for the particular model of the car and the model year that the car was manufactured as well as the size of the engine. Subsequently, if the car has an old cap it has to be unclenched from the distributor body by simply scaling down the slotted latches and rotating them 3/4. Put the new cap alongside the old one so that the metal window and the two latches are located at the same positions in the new cap as they were in the old one. Now it's a matter of gradually start moving the spark plug wires from the old cap directly to the new one while ensuring that one grabs the rubber cover, twists a little and then pull the spark plug wire by the cover without tugging on the wire insulation. Make sure that the plug wires and boots go tightly into the distributor cap with the new one. Last but not the least adjust your new cap and plug wires on top of the distributor and then turn the latches to lock it in place while applying pressure on the cap so as to secure the cap into the distributor.

Begin this procedure by visually checking the spark plug wires while the engine is running. In a darkened garage with ventilation, start the engine and observe each plug wire for arcing or sparks at damaged areas. If arcing is noticed, obtain new wires and check the distributor cap and rotor after allowing the engine to cool. Disconnect the negative battery cable and remove the distributor cap by releasing the holddown latches. Inspect the cap for cracks and corrosion on the contacts, removing deposits with a file if necessary. Examine the rotor for cracks, burning, and carbon tracks, replacing it if needed. Apply silicone lubricant to the contact inside the cap before reinstalling the cap and rotor. If the cap needs replacement, leave it off with the wires still connected. If the spark plug wires need replacement, obtain a new set along with a new cap and rotor. Check each wire individually, inspecting for corrosion, crimping the metal connector if necessary, and cleaning the entire length of the wire. Bend the wires to ensure flexibility. Check the wires at the distributor cap, reinstalling them securely. If the wires, cap, and rotor are in good condition, reconnect them at the distributor and battery. If new wires are required, obtain them along with a new cap and rotor. If a new cap is being installed on a coil-in-cap distributor, transfer the coil and cover from the old cap to the new one. Attach the coil to the new cap with a new seal and lubricate it. Attach the rotor to the distributor, ensuring proper installation of the carbon brush in the cap. Replace the wires one at a time, maintaining the correct firing order. Reattach the cap to the distributor and reconnect all wires and the battery cable.

Signs of damage such as broken towers, cracks, external carbon tracks, charred or eroded terminals, and damaged or cut terminals should be checked.

The air cleaner assembly may need to be removed.

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.