Mazda Distributor Cap
A Mazda distributor cap is a component of the distributor. The main purpose of
Mazda distributor caps is to cover the distributor and the internal rotor. The
distributor cap also holds the distribution point or outlets. Distributors are
special type of switch that allow the routing of high voltage current and correct
firing sequence in the sparkplugs. Sparkplug wires are attached to the individual
distribution points on the distributor cap. Each distribution point corresponds
to the number of combustion cylinders. Each combustion cylinder at least has one
sparkplug. Mazda auto parts like the distributor cap are easily replaceable with
aftermarket auto parts. Typically, the quality of most aftermarket auto parts
is equal to the quality of the original component. The distributor cap is not
an exception.
Inside the Mazda distributor cap, carbon conductors are connected to the outlets
or distribution points. The carbon conductors barely touch the brush of the rotor
as the rotor spins. However, high voltage electricity manages to jump the small
gap between the rotor brush and the carbon conductor. The gap is necessary to
reduce friction. If the surface of the rotor brush touches the surface of the
carbon conductor, the rotation of the rotor would slow down. Carbon conductors
are used because unlike metal, these conductors do not melt or corrode. They are
also highly conductive. A central conductor can be found inside the distributor
cap. This central conductor completes the circuit. Typically, the central conductor
serves as the positive pole while the peripheral conductors serve as the negative
poles.
At any moment, electricity flows in multiple directions inside the Mazda distributor
cap. Typically, a pairs of sparkplugs need to be supplied with high voltage electricity
while other pairs are temporarily not charged with electricity. In a four-cylinder
engine, one pair of spark plugs discharges electricity while the other pair waits
its turn. To understand how firing sequence works, it is important to first understand
how the engine works. The engine has pistons that move in alternate fashion. If
one piston is up, the adjacent piston is down. Hence, the combustion cylinders
of the pistons need to be alternately supplied with high voltage electricity to
sustain engine function.
The distributor facilitates the distribution of high-voltage electricity to the
individual sparkplugs. The distributor rotor is powered by the camshaft which
rotates at half the rotation speed of the crankshaft. This allows the firing timing
and sequence to be coordinated with the motion of the pistons and the valves of
the engine. However, if the distributor becomes defective, the correct firing
sequence and timing will not be achieved. A defective distributor must be replaced
immediately to avoid the worsening of the situation. Shopping for high quality
distributor can be done conveniently on the web.
