Precision Timing: Vintage Distributors & Shafts
If you can't get your timing steady, or the engine "wanders" at idle, your distributor bushings are likely worn out. The Distributor distributes high voltage to each cylinder, and shaft play ruins accuracy.
NOS, NORS & Remanufactured Units
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Points Style: Original cast-iron units with mechanical tach drives (Corvette) or vacuum advance cans.
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Electronic: Upgraded or stock replacement HEI and Duraspark units.
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The Shaft: Inspect your distributor gear! We also stock replacement gears and shafts.
Stop the Arcing: Brass Terminal Distributor Caps
Not all distributor caps are created equal. Cheap auto-store caps use aluminum terminals that corrode quickly. At Old Car Parts NW, we prioritize NOS and NORS Caps with Brass Terminals for maximum conductivity and spark energy.
Prevent Crossfire A worn cap develops "carbon tracking" inside, allowing electricity to jump to the wrong cylinder (crossfire).
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Inventory: Standard sockets and "HEI style" male towers.
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Colors: We often have the correct Tan, Grey, or Black caps for restoration accuracy, not just generic red or blue.
The Heart of Electronic Ignition: Distributor Pickups & Stators
For electronic distributors (1970s+), the Distributor Pickup (or Stator) replaces the breaker points. It senses the rotation of the reluctor wheel and triggers the coil.
Why They Fail Heat and vibration cause the fine copper windings inside the pickup to break or short out.
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Symptoms: The engine shuts off suddenly like a switch was flipped, or refuses to start on hot days.
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Fix: Install a high-quality NOS or NORS Pickup Assembly to restore a strong, reliable trigger signal.
