Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
#1
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Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
I have a 94 Accord LX. How long does the distributor cap and rotor last? How often should they be changed? Can they be tested? Or just go ahead and change them?
#2
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
I'm sure you could test it... but it's really a case of visual inspection- the contacts in the cap and the condition of the rotor tip. if they look worn and burnt or crusty with buildup, replace them. if they look good and the engine runs fine (assuming the plugs and wires are in good shape) leave them.
#3
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
Not too sure how long they last but they should definitely be a part of your routine tune up! Long story short just change them out along with your spark plugs and wires and even your fuel filter. Cheap and effective preventative maintenance!!!
#6
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
I change mines around 15k or so. They're like 18 bucks at some auto stores and 25 at most at others. Cheap maintenance. Think in terms of gas mileage getting your money back if you change them early.
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#8
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Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
I'm sure you could test it... but it's really a case of visual inspection- the contacts in the cap and the condition of the rotor tip. if they look worn and burnt or crusty with buildup, replace them. if they look good and the engine runs fine (assuming the plugs and wires are in good shape) leave them.
#9
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
yes serious its a honda not a 79 dodge
wells the last time you heard a honda going 250 to 300 thousand probly not too long ago its not a uncommon thing to find a honda with thosekind of miles still sporting the og wires and caps
the damb cars last
wells the last time you heard a honda going 250 to 300 thousand probly not too long ago its not a uncommon thing to find a honda with thosekind of miles still sporting the og wires and caps
the damb cars last
#10
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
i would change cap, rotor, spark plugs and fuel filter every 30-35k and change spark plug wires 60-70k. these are for OEM parts, i wouldnt even bother with aftermarket for ignition systems.
#11
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
sorry all cars and conditions will always vary so when you buy a new used. do your self a little inspection and be your own judge. replace if problems occur.
#12
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
Plugs (I only use OEM) at 50,000 and thats only to keep them from seizing into the head, and I do wires, rotor and cap at the same time. I use NGK wires and plugs and a factory cap and rotor.
Lance
Lance
#13
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Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
Where do you guys buy the plug wires from? The Honda plug wires set seem to only come with the spark plug wires for $62.07 and the center wire is $25 = $87.07 just for wires. Add the distributor and rotor and things add up to $136. At autozone, my total would be $70.
#14
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Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
I got a set of NGK wires from rockauto for less than $50 shipped including the coil wire. http://www.rockauto.com/
Cap and rotor you can get from someplace like majestic honda.
Cap and rotor you can get from someplace like majestic honda.
#15
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Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
Where do you guys buy the plug wires from? The Honda plug wires set seem to only come with the spark plug wires for $62.07 and the center wire is $25 = $87.07 just for wires. Add the distributor and rotor and things add up to $136. At autozone, my total would be $70.
43 for oem spark plug cables. might as well buy everything from this site.
i can't stress enough how important using oem ignition parts are. this is one area i wouldnt skimp on. sure, people have lots of miles stacked up on oreillys and autozone ignition parts but the failure rate is so much greater.
#16
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Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
Where do you guys buy the plug wires from? The Honda plug wires set seem to only come with the spark plug wires for $62.07 and the center wire is $25 = $87.07 just for wires. Add the distributor and rotor and things add up to $136. At autozone, my total would be $70.
#19
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
The thing is the junk you'll buy at Autozone will last you about a year. I have yet to see a set of OEM Honda wires go bad, years ago temple of vtec dyno tested 15 year old OEM honda wires against brand new NGK wires and brand new nalogy wires. the 15 year old OEM honda wires outperformed both. That should say something right there. The plugs are just NGK plugs, you can buy them at any autoparts store. I'd replace the cap and rotor with OEM every 60k or so, wires as long as they're OEM I'd just leave until the start giving you trouble.
#20
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
Stock plugs 30k miles max per NGK.
NGK wires are prob the best alternative to stock ones.
by the way a stock cap and rotor is about 43 bucks list.
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Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
NGK makes great aftermarket wires, the fit and finish is very much like OEM and they last. I'm not sure if a lot of people realize this but most aftermarket wires like to get stuck in the head when you try to remove them.
#22
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
Hi guys! my CEL lit up with the code "Cylinder 4 misfire." I also feel some jerking when I'm cruising at 60 mph. I changed my wires and plugs to NGK Iridium IX and NGK Blues. However, I still feel the jerking at 60-65 mph. My question is: will changing the distributor cap and rotor help in my situation?
#23
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Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
Hi guys! my CEL lit up with the code "Cylinder 4 misfire." I also feel some jerking when I'm cruising at 60 mph. I changed my wires and plugs to NGK Iridium IX and NGK Blues. However, I still feel the jerking at 60-65 mph. My question is: will changing the distributor cap and rotor help in my situation?
#24
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Tune Up - When to change Distributor Cap & Rotor
Hi guys! my CEL lit up with the code "Cylinder 4 misfire." I also feel some jerking when I'm cruising at 60 mph. I changed my wires and plugs to NGK Iridium IX and NGK Blues. However, I still feel the jerking at 60-65 mph. My question is: will changing the distributor cap and rotor help in my situation?