nova73
Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2011
Posts: 117
Location: Akron,PA 17501
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 Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 6:37 pm Post subject: Distributor Cap |
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Is a carbon brush and spring required for a 85 1.9 L water cooled engine? When I removed my cap there was none of the above present.
Nova73
85 Weekender
Akron,PA |
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windnsea
Samba Member
Joined: May 07, 2008
Posts: 424
Location: Pasadena, CA
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| Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 7:06 pm Post subject: Re: Distributor Cap |
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Within the distributor, the lower part takes care of the advance/retard of the spark depending on rpm's, and vacuum needs of the engine. The rotor then relays them to the cap as a butler. What controls this relay is the carbon electrode (backed by it's friend the spring), which lets them make contact with the rotor, which as it spins around, provides a path for the ignition spark to tell each of the spark plugs to fire.
If the spring and carbon brush are missing, no spark to the cylinders.
...sounds like time to do an R&R on the ignition system - actually, very basic - parts visual inspection, Ohm resistance on the wires, R&R on the distributor cap and rotor!
I always carry a few rotors and caps underneath the rear seat - cheap insurance.
Gary
btw.... you must have removed the distributor cap when your Vanagon was not driveable! |
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