Q&A for How to Install a Distributor

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

I didn't mark where the old distributor was when I removed it. How can I tell where to put the new one?

Community Answer

You'll have to bring your number one cylinder to top dead center (tdc) and adjust your rotor to where it's slightly before the number one plug wire on the cap. That should get you in the ballpark.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 35
Question

I replaced the V-belt on my car, but now it's not working properly. How can I replace the plug wires in sequence after I remove them without marking them?

Community Answer

A good Motors Manual with a picture of the firing order would work, or looking under the hood of a vehicle with a similar engine. You could also take a digital picture with your camera or phone that you could refer back to later.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

How do I install a new distributor cap that does not fit the same as the old one?

Community Answer

You can take the "new" distributor cap to an auto parts store, or where you bought it if not there, and match it up with one that they have in stock that fits your distributor properly. There are so many different caps for engines, that's the way I would do it. The person behind the counter at the parts store has a book that shows him the right cap.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Community Answer

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

There was a fire in my car in the area of the distributor cap and now I have nothing coming out of the cap to plug wires into. What can I do?

Greg Morris

Community Answer

your fire melted the points where the wires would have connected get another distributor

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1