Understanding the Distributor and Why You Need It for Gas Engine | Stirlingkit

Distributors are important components of gasoline engines because they are responsible for controlling the ignition system. The distributor is responsible for routing high voltage from the ignition coil to the correct spark plug at the appropriate time. Without a properly functioning distributor and ignition system, the engine will not run correctly and will experience poor performance. It also provides the necessary power to the engine that makes the vehicle go. Without the engine distributor, the car would not be able to move. The distributor is responsible for delivering the spark to the spark plugs and controlling the timing of the spark, which is essential for efficient combustion.

Photo from POWERNATION

Distributors typically include an ignition coil, a rotor, a cam, a set of springs and a capacitor. The distributor is usually driven by the camshaft, and the shaft is usually driven by the crankshaft. Normally the distributor should be installed in the engine block near the spark plugs. It should be installed in a straight line so that the spark is distributed evenly to all the cylinders.

There are two types of distributors in an engine: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical distributors are responsible for routing the spark from the spark plug to the correct cylinder at the correct time. Electronic distributors use a control module to regulate spark timing and deliver the spark to each cylinder. The most common type of engine distributor is the mechanical distributor, which uses a rotating cam, distributor cap, and rotor to deliver the power to the spark plugs. The distributor cap is connected to the rotating cam shaft and the rotor is connected to the distributor cap. As the engine’s crankshaft rotates, the camshaft forces the rotor to turn, which in turn pushes the contacts inside the distributor cap against the terminals of the spark plug wires. This creates an electrical circuit that sends electricity to the spark plugs in the correct order and at the right time.

The engine distributor is usually powered by a vacuum or electric motor that sends signals to the distributor. The signals tell the distributor when to send power to the spark plugs and when not to. This is why it is important to keep the engine distributor in good working order.

A gasoline engine still needs a distributor because it is responsible for distributing the spark generated by the ignition coil to the spark plugs. This is essential for the combustion process that powers the engine. The distributor also controls the timing of the spark, ensuring the spark plugs fire at the right time in the engine’s cycle. This helps to ensure the maximum efficiency and performance of the engine.

Inline six engines require a distributor to route high-voltage electrical current to each of the engine's spark plugs in the correct order and at the right time. Without a distributor, the spark plugs would not fire in the correct order, resulting in poor engine performance and increased emissions.