Distributor cap replacement advice

[rundmc]

Planning on changing the sparkplugs, wires and distributor cap while the manifold is off. I know I have to "mark the distributor cap" if I was to remove it and then replace it so it goes on the same way. What do I need to do if I plan to place an entirely new one on there?

[David T]

The cap has a tab on it so you can only properly install in one way. The way it is done, remove the cap from the distributor and lay it nearby with the wires attached in the correct orientation as it was on. Remove one wire at a time and install them into the new cap in the same position using the clips to verify you are in the correct position. Sometimes the cap has the cylinder #'s molded into it to aid you. Do one at a time. After you install the new cap you can change the ignition wires one at a time. Put a drop of oil under the rotor and make sure the rotor is indexed correctly and pushed ALL the way onto the shaft.
David Teitelbaum

[rundmc]

Thanks David. How do I make sure the rotor is properly "indexed"? I assume I cannot take its present position for granted as correct.

[dmc6960]

Thanks David. How do I make sure the rotor is properly "indexed"? I assume I cannot take its present position for granted as correct.

Yes you can. Your not removing the whole distributor are you? It will not free-turn on its own when the cap/rotor are removed, and each component IS keyed so they only go on one way.

One thing to be aware of though which has bitten me twice in the recent past... There is a cap out there with a 45º angle on the inside edge of the cap. This makes it extremely difficult to secure squarely, especially if you do not have the mixture unit removed. I recommend the caps from the DMC franchises as they have a square cut notch on the inside edge of the cap. Seats REALLY NICE on the distributor.

[rundmc]

No, I am not removing the whole distributor, just replacing the cap, wires and plugs. Thanks for the info, I guess that means that convenient kit from Hervey doesn't have a notched cap like DMCH?

[Farrar]

When I ordered mine a few years ago, Hervey's cap snapped on just fine to my stock distributor. It looked just like the Volvo caps. Made by Bosch.

Just my experience.

Farrar

[Delorean Industries]

Depends on what is available. DMCH and DPI only sell the Bosch cap. If you look on the DAP site you will note it says "or equivalent" under the ignition items. Beck Arney and a few others make components that work as well and depending on what he stocks you may receive one instead of a premium Bosch replacement part. You can always tell the difference without even looking at the part number. Bosch components are a glossy plastic color when the aftermarket units feel rough and have a dull appearance.

[Patrick C]

I tried a generic Beck Arney cap and rotor from Advance Auto...it lasted less than 5,000 miles before it was completely shot and my car started missing when accelerating at lower RPMs. I replaced it with a Bosch cap and rotor from DMCMW and have been happy since.

[David T]

Just another good reason to buy from the Delorean venders. The stuff you can buy locally is not always as good as the parts the venders sell. In fact what you can buy locally is often a cross/over and doesnt fit as well or last as long as the "good" stuff. In many cases it costs no more, you just have to wait a day or 2 to get it.
David Teitelbaum