Distributor: Description and Operation

Distributor With Hall Sensor:

The distributor supplies the rotary motion for spark distribution and to determine ignition timing due to current crankshaft position and speed. It also provides the means to incorporate many ignition components. The distributor is located on driver side rear of engine block.

CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
The distributor consists of the housing, drive shaft and rotor shaft. The drive shaft and rotor shaft are located in the center of the housing. The drive shaft is in permanent connection with the intermediate shaft in the engine and rotates at half the speed of the crankshaft. Connected to the drive shaft, via the centrifugal advance mechanism, is the rotor shaft. The centrifugal advance mechanism makes it possible for the rotor shaft to rotate approx. 20° in relation to the drive shaft and therefore change ignition timing.

In addition to the drive and rotor shaft, the distributor is a carrier for the following components:
a. Centrifugal advance unit
b. Vacuum advance mechanism
c. Hall effect sender and components
d. Rotor
e. Cap and static shield

NOTE: For more information on these additional components, refer to the appropriate articles in this section.