distributor components such as rotors, caps and condensers, and
sometimes the ignition coil? Simply said, breaker points make the spark
plugs spark by loading and firing the ignition coil, while the distributor,
well, distributes, the high-voltage current from the coil (which can be as
high as 20,000 volts) to the right spark plugs and at the right time. In
essence, breaker points are nothing more than a switch. The only
maintenance required is to keep this switch adjusted (how far it opens),
keep the contacts clean and replace it when it wears out. However, as
with many simple things, breaker points have to be properly maintained.
Figure 2. Except for the additional resistor and coil capacitor, as
well as the coil itself being located inside the unit, the setting,
maintenance, and replacement of components such as the breaker
points, condenser, rotor and inner cap are essentially the same as