GM 19166099 Cap,Distributor

Since the advent of vehicles, ignition systems have undergone massive changes. Most modern vehicles use coil packs instead of distributors which eliminate the need for distributor caps or rotors. These parts have been replaced by camshaft and crankshaft sensors. The timing is now controlled by the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) which makes it non-adjustable. However, some basic information is provided for vehicles still operating with a distributor cap and rotor. It is recommended to check this while doing a physical inspection of the distributor cap and rotor during checking plug wires. Look out for such things as damage to the distributor cap like a tower that has broken off or a crack in its body and external carbon tracks. Use a bright light to check inside of the cap for charred or eroded terminals and carbon tracks. Check if there is any damage to the inside terminals or the rotor button. If there are damaged or cut terminals, it could mean either wrong installation or age on the distributor housing. To remove and install the distributor cap and rotor, disconnect negative battery cable, record wire placement. In order to separate from distributor housing turn clockwise 180 degrees on two retaining screws at cap's top then depress them till they stop inside two depressions located at extreme angles from each other on top face of the cap's rim side surface opposite to each other. Take off cap in order to see ignition rotor beneath it. Remove two hold down screws keeping rotor on distributor shaft being careful to remember how rotor was positioned before removal. Slide it down onto distributor shaft when installing rotor aligning it along its proper path so that it fits squarely on top of distributor shaft; then make sure that its position is vertical and rigidly set up into place without having any possibility to move around when proper installer pressure is applied onto it in perpendicular plane against whole system being mounted thereby providing exact alignment conditions so every component involved would be accurately installed relative one another ensuring tight engagement between mating surfaces where sealing function performed accordingly as if all mating surface contacted everywhere one another enough such that closes gaps tight enough ensuring no leakages whatsoever during entire life cycle regardless whether operating with single gasketing system or multiple gaskets employed simultaneously across different locations thereon in cases when both types can be used together like example shown above. As a result, make sure distributor cap seats properly and is squarely aligned with distributor housing. Finally, depress and rotate cap screws clockwise 180 degrees to hold it in place.

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.

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.

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.