And there's a lot that you can do with only the simplest of tools (Fig. 1) to see that your distributor is in top condition. Think of your distributor as an infinitely accurate electric switch. It is.

It seems like such a small thing—that tiny area approximately 0.040 of an inch wide inside each combustion chamber. That area we're talking about is the gap between the electrode and strap on each ...

If you have a classic, vintage, or otherwise old car, you've probably heard of the distributor that it features. It's part of the ignition system that transfers current from the battery to the ...

"It's not a heap, dad. It's a classic." That's harder to justify when your classic muscle car won't start. Nothing like a high-compression V8 combined with a battery that hasn't seen a charge for a ...

As General Motors' flagship automobile, Corvette has always been the recipient of GM's latest and greatest innovations. Usually, this is a good thing. Occasionally, however, the latest isn't all that ...

Q. I've noticed my new car doesn't have a distributor or spark plug wires, unlike every other car or truck I've ever owned. Can you explain how this works? A. This is one of the neatest automotive ...

Causes: This is often caused by a worn-out key, a damaged ignition cylinder, or even a steering wheel that has locked up. Repair: In many cases, the key can be recut or replaced, and if the ignition ...

Just like spark plugs, ignition coils can wear down and become faulty over time. There are many common signs that an ignition coil is getting bad, but one obvious sign is an engine misfire, typically ...