Volvo 480 Distributor rotor button and cap replacement
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Volvo 480 Distributor rotor button and cap replacement
Volvo 480 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 Volvo 480. 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 Volvo 480. 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 Volvo 480. 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 Volvo 480. 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 Volvo 480’s firing timing is out you are putting strain on the engine and potentially causing damage. The Volvo 480 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.