Some thing about spark plug
2009-11-21

 When it comes to ignition components, you should never compromise quality with value. As they are constantly bombarded with tremendous amounts of voltage of electricity, they need to be tough enough to withstand the rigors of daily driving applications. To meet the exact application specifications of your vehicle, manufacturers have crafted distributor cap replacement to sustain smooth operations while following the course of your driving style. As the part’s functionality and service greatly influences the overall ignition performance delivered, putting your money on direct-fit and OEM quality cap replacement is a sure fire solution to establishing quick ignition with great and longer lasting ignition servicing project results.  

The distributor cap has one post for each cylinder, and in points ignition systems there is a central post for the coil voltage coming into the distributor. In HEI (High Energy Ignition) systems, there is not a central post, and the ignition coil sits on top of the distributor. On the inside of the cap there is a terminal that corresponds to each post, and the plug terminals are arranged around the circumference of the cap according to the firing order in order to send the secondary voltage to the proper spark plug at the right time.When you periodically pop your car hood, you can immediately notice a hard plastic cap which is actually your stock distributor cap. The incorporation of plastic and copper material to its construction delivers seamless construction and precision flow of high voltage of electricity of designated ignition wires which is crucial to achieving quick ignition.

 You can notice that the distributor rotor is fitted beneath the cap which also works in ensuring timely and smooth delivery of current for fuel efficient ignition performance. For preventive maintenance, you need to have your stock cap critically overlooked for replacement after two years or 15,000-mile service to eliminate the risks of failure. All that constant exposure to varying engine temperature and high voltage of electricity will eventually take toll and damage the part. Carbon tracking and cracking are few of the common indications that your stock cap already needs replacement. Distributor caps are expected to eventually succumb to damages which come inevitable with age. Thankfully, quality factory equivalents to your original distributor caps are conveniently available for specific vehicle applications. As they are manufactured to meet precise OEM specifications, they require minimum fuss on fitment and installation as direct-fit replacements.

The distributor cap is a prime example of a component that eventually succumbs to heat and vibration. It is a relatively easy and inexpensive part to replace if its bakelite housing does not break or crack first. Carbon deposit accumulation or erosion of its metal terminals may also cause distributor-cap failure. Older automobiles use a distributor and cap to transfer an electrical impulse to each for igniting fuel in the combustion chamber. These are usually made of light plastic which can crack and accumulate build up that interferes with correct functioning. You should remove yours every time you service your car, inspect and mount a new one, if needed. Here are some steps to tell you how to mount and remove a spark plug.

Step1   Ensure the car engine is off, then remove the positive cable from the battery terminal. 

Step2   Consult your maintenance manual for instructions on removal and replacement of your particular distributor cap, because they are all different.

 Step3    Find the distributor by following the wires from the spark plugs. Get access to the cap by removing anything that is in the way, usually the air   cleaner.

 Step4    Leave the plug wires in place, or use a small piece of tape to mark each wire so you can replace them in the exact spot from which they came. 

 Step5   Remove the bolts, screws, or clips that attach the cap to the distributor body. Use whatever tool is indicated by the screws or bolts. Some are threaded into the distributor, and some are spring loaded J hook clamps that you only need push down and turn counter-clockwise a half-turn to release the cap.

 Step6   Check underneath the cap for cracks and carbon. Replace the cap by transferring the plug wires to the same terminals on the new cap then replace the cap and retaining clips or screws