Rep Power: 0

The car was working fine and then it quit on the side of the road, so we replaced the distributor cap, then a week after that we replaced it again, now we just got another distributor cap ( yes the third one ) and the car wont even crank now -































what could be causing the distributor cap to quit working - repeatedly ?















good idea but we put new rotor, new cap, new plugs, and new wires !!!!!!!















somebody give me some ideas please !















thats the thing - we replaced the whole entire distibutor cap - everything included so i guess i should be saying the distributor, not just the cap -















the whole distributor was replaced .....again, now it cranks but something else - the idle air control valve needs to be replaced ( according to the comp ) dont know if that has anything to do with it - i appreciate the help but really not sure who best answer is sorry guys but thanks -

 
Rep Power: 0

You probably didn't change the rotor...when you get a new cap you allways must change the rotor (the thing in the middle that the cap goes over)...when it is worn it just sparks so hard it burns up caps...but by this point you probably need new points also...when replacing points always replace condenser too!...please don't forget the rotor...Good Luck!

 
Rep Power: 0

it could be you timing is off

 
Rep Power: 0

Did you notice any rust colored soot in the old one? If so, it is probably a worn out bearing in the distributor which is causing the shaft to "wobble" and wear out the contacts. Your best bet is to just replace the whole distributor for about$150 (including cap and rotor) rather than trying to trouble shoot it and wasting time.