Nissan Repair: Nissan n14 Pulsar, n14 pulsar, resistor circuit

Question
Burning distributor cap contacts

Answer
David,

If the contacts are getting burnt there can be a couple of causes.  They are really old and it is normal.  If the cap is pretty new the burning contacts can be caused by a failed resistor circuit.  In start mode the car runs 12 volts to the coil and in run mode it steps down to around 9 volts.  Check voltage at the coil to see what you are getting in start and run mode.  Lastly, I have seen aftermarket distributors and rotors with too much clearance and since the rotor and terminal are so far away from each other you will get burning.  I purchase a lot of aftermarket parts.  But, for a cap and rotor I go with factory components.  If you go aftermarket be sure the parts match up.