Opel/Vauxhall Astra Distributor rotor button and cap replacement
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Opel/Vauxhall Astra Distributor rotor button and cap replacement
Opel/Vauxhall Astra distributor rotor button and cap replacement
A distributor directs current from the coil to the spark plugs. This is done in the correct firing order to coincide with the timing required for optimal engine combustion. When this system isn’t working correctly the timing will be noticeably out on your Opel/Vauxhall Astra. The engine will run rough, backfire and be hard to start, if it starts at all.
Distributor caps and rotors can wear over time or be subject to damage. They will need to be replaced periodically over the life of the Opel/Vauxhall Astra. If the distributor rotor or cap are worn or damaged it can cause problems with engine performance and they should be replaced as soon as possible otherwise engine damage could occur.
When the rotor spins past the contact points in the distributor cap it creates a spark. The spark travels up to the leads and on to the spark plugs in your Opel/Vauxhall Astra. This creates the spark plug ‘spark’ required to ignite the air/fuel mixture.
The distributor rotor and cap are made from plastic. If the cap breaks or becomes damaged this can allow water to get and/or cause the distributor to fail on your Opel/Vauxhall Astra. Also, the rotor and cap contact points will wear over time. If the gap between these two points gets too large, electricity won’t be able to jump the gap and no spark will be created.
This will mean the spark plug won’t spark at the ideal time for optimal combustion. Heat will eventually ignite the air/fuel mixture but this is when the engine misfires and deposits and engine hot spots can occur.
Whenever your Opel/Vauxhall Astra’s firing timing is out you are putting strain on the engine and potentially causing damage. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra will not be working at its best and could be difficult to drive, if it starts at all. Best practice is to get the distributor rotor and cap replaced as soon as possible.
