Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just replace?

Engines and Engine Systems
Florian320
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Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just replace?

Post by Florian320 »

Hello!

I am keen on renewing all 7 plug leads (including the central one), the distributor cap and the rotator.
I already got the parts, now my funny question is: can I just open the cap, remove it, unscrew the rotator, replace it, close all again and I am done?

Or will something move/ change that I have to have the timing adjusted or similar stuff?

Or even simpler: can I by myself do the exchange under the tree, or do I need a workshop for it?

Thanks for your help!!!
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Re: Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just repla

Post by Wilkie »

Florian,,which Patrol have you got....if it is the 4.5 engine ,I don't think it has all 7 leads it has a built in coil
if you remove a lead and replace it with a new you should not have problems with timing etc etc
Goodluck :thumbup:
Florian320
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Re: Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just repla

Post by Florian320 »

Sorry, I should have stated this. I have the TB45E.
I do see seven leads (one to the middle to distribute and six, one for each cylinder) - at least I recall it like that.
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Peter Connan
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Re: Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just repla

Post by Peter Connan »

You will not change anything, but it's a good idea to check the timing from time to time...
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David M
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Re: Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just repla

Post by David M »

It looks like a 7th lead but is just the moulding on the cap.

On the '99 4.5 there should be no need to replace anything other than the leads. If you do open up BEWARE the optical sensor. You touch you break.
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Florian320
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Re: Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just repla

Post by Florian320 »

A thanks, I am not at the car right now (still in Germany) but will be on my way tonight.
Where is the optical sensor located? On the bottom of the distributor?
Thanks for your help, guys!!!!
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David M
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Re: Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just repla

Post by David M »

Optical sensor is inside. Have never opened it up after being warned.
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Florian320
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Re: Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just repla

Post by Florian320 »

Thanks!
Now I replaced both cap, rotator and leads and the difference is incredible!
Before when hitting the throttle for a fragment of a second there was a feeling as if the engine would actually brake. Now that's completely gone, the engine now reacts immediately and promptly.
In addition when shifting down and connecting the clutch again the engine kicks in much smoother. The pins inside the distributor cap were used by about half, I don't know when you normally should replace it. And I didn't measure the plug leads afterwards as I was so happy how the engine responded that I didn't care anymore. So I can not honestly say if it was rather the cap, the rotator, the leads or (maybe most probably) all of them.
But that definitely was a great success!!
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Re: Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just repla

Post by Chris Skinner »

This perceived better performance should translate to better fuel economy - it would be interesting to see how it improves :thumbup:
Florian320
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Re: Distributor cap, rotator and ignition leads - just repla

Post by Florian320 »

Yep, that will be interesting. I will follow up with that but it will take some time until I really will have some figures of tank fillings.
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