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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: Bigdunc on 16 October 2011, 17:25

Title: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: Bigdunc on 16 October 2011, 17:25

hi guys im finding that the Dizzy cap and rotor arm contact centre one keeps burning out, rotor arm i can clean up quite well but the centre on the dizzy cap wont clean up, now this keeps doing it every few thousand miles if that im having to change them.

what could be the cause of this??

Title: Re: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: the flying mantuan on 16 October 2011, 19:05

When did you last gap the plugs?  :smiley:

Title: Re: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: Bigdunc on 16 October 2011, 19:39

never have i just replace plugs for new ones usually

Title: Re: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: the flying mantuan on 16 October 2011, 20:14

Too large a gap can cause the HT system to operate at a higher voltage, leading to problems over time - in some cases burning out the rotor which in turn leads to the cap burning out. So that is the first thing I would check.  Then ignition timing and the engine (cambelt) timing. I also always,whenever possible, make sure the rotor arm and dizzy cap are made by the same manufacturer. It reduces the likelihood of the rotor arm being out of phase with cap.

 

Title: Re: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: Bigdunc on 16 October 2011, 23:08

well belt and dizzy timing are spot on as not long set the timeing with the light, plugs were changed under 400miles ago and rotor arm and cap changed at the same time, plugs were new ngk from the box and leads changed at same time, i cant get a plug gap tool but what gap should the plugs be at??

Title: Re: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: the flying mantuan on 17 October 2011, 16:31

0.8mm according Haynes

I just use feeler gauges no other special tools required.

Title: Re: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: Wayne on 17 October 2011, 23:46

Try a new rotor arm :smiley:

Title: Re: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: Bigdunc on 18 October 2011, 18:45

i put on a new cap, put my old leads back on as noticed new leads were sh!t connection

im using ngk BP6ET plugs but was wondering about changing to bosch plugs

Title: Re: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: raferackstraw on 18 October 2011, 19:27

i read something on here by dannyp that said single electrode plugs gave a better flame front and therefore better burn of fuel, also he stated that the single plug would last longer than the triple ones, im sure he also recommended ngk plugs but cant remember the reasons why.
dannyp may reply soonest  :wink:

Title: Re: Distributor cap keep burning up :)
Post by: Bigdunc on 20 October 2011, 18:45

well plugs are cheap as chips for me so im not worried about price but i would need to know what plugs i was getting,

i got a 2nd hand distributor to go in the car as the car has never run great with the dizzy it has anyway so going to put 2nd hand dizzy in and get a new cap and arm for it, then change leads and plugs then i can be far off getting car running sweet again :)