I actually dont see an interval in my manual... changed it the first time at 45k when I did the plugs. there's 55k on this one.
Distributor cap - when to change?
- Thread starter tomcat27
- Start date
- Status
I replaced mine @ 120k.
No difference in how the truck runs before and after the replacement.
No difference in how the truck runs before and after the replacement.
If they are good quality, I clean the contacts with a small grinder and re-use over and over.
Yup ,emory cloth clean-up, no cracks or carbon tracking? good to go.
I replaced it once in '94 LS400 (it has two caps) at around 140-150k miles. The OEM caps were in very good shape but I already bought two new so I just replaced them, if I saw the condition of the OEM caps before I bought the 2 new caps online, I would not replace them.
Inspect, clean and reuse. If anything is worn or cracked replace it.
If the cap has aluminum electrodes as many GM's did in the 90's, they will need frequent changing. They are pretty lame.
Kestas
Staff member
I clean them as well. I believe they should be discarded when the rotor-to-cap distance grows from erosion. This distance decreases the available energy at the spark plug.
completely serviceable. Clean and reinstall.
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
completely serviceable. Clean and reinstall.
X2, Visually look for carbon tracking and when the terminals start to get pitted it's time for a new cap. They last a long time.
completely serviceable. Clean and reinstall.
X2, Visually look for carbon tracking and when the terminals start to get pitted it's time for a new cap. They last a long time.
Originally Posted By: Malo83
I put a NEW cap and rotor when I do my annual tune ups on my truck, just like I change my oil filter at every oil change
Wow.
My distributor cap is $28 and rotor is $13 mail order. They lasted 6 years and 120k. And when I changed them they really did not need to be changed.
So using your plan, I'd would have spent only $246 for something that does not need to be replaced.
Works for you!
I put a NEW cap and rotor when I do my annual tune ups on my truck, just like I change my oil filter at every oil change
Wow.
My distributor cap is $28 and rotor is $13 mail order. They lasted 6 years and 120k. And when I changed them they really did not need to be changed.
So using your plan, I'd would have spent only $246 for something that does not need to be replaced.
Works for you!
It depends on the engine.
Some cap/rotors are shot at 50K miles
Some cap/rotors are shot at 50K miles
Last edited by a moderator:
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Originally Posted By: Malo83
I put a NEW cap and rotor when I do my annual tune ups on my truck, just like I change my oil filter at every oil change
Wow.
My distributor cap is $28 and rotor is $13 mail order. They lasted 6 years and 120k. And when I changed them they really did not need to be changed.
So using your plan, I'd would have spent only $246 for something that does not need to be replaced.
Works for you!
Trying to squeeze blood from a rock is not my cup of tea, so yeah it works for me
Originally Posted By: Malo83
I put a NEW cap and rotor when I do my annual tune ups on my truck, just like I change my oil filter at every oil change
Wow.
My distributor cap is $28 and rotor is $13 mail order. They lasted 6 years and 120k. And when I changed them they really did not need to be changed.
So using your plan, I'd would have spent only $246 for something that does not need to be replaced.
Works for you!
Trying to squeeze blood from a rock is not my cup of tea, so yeah it works for me
Hmmn, food for thought here. I change the cap and rotor every time I change the timing belt, 60k miles. The contacts are brass. Mebbe next time , Ill just clean up the contacts and wipe off the carbon.
- Status
