distributor

[murray]

I've changed my spark plugs and air cleaner.Is there a distrubutor on my '05 Vibe? I am looking to clean contact points and perhaps install a new rotor, ( as in other vehicles) to improve fuel economy.Thanks...

[BlueCrush]

Nope, no distributor on the vibe. We have coil on plug ignition.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »Nope, no distributor on the vibe. We have coil on plug ignition.How many years ago has it been that ignition coils replaced distributors? It has to be 30+ years.

[j42.snyder]

Actually, many manufacturers were still using distributors even during this decade.In the mid to late '80s, GM started phasing in the distributorless ignition using coil packs and conventional wires on many models. Most others probably switched most of their vehicles around the same time - but the imports seemed most reluctant to change. I have a friend with a 2001 Nissan XTerra that has a distributor.The first I noticed the new "coil on plug" setup was around 2000. There were the odd earlier versions out (GM's Quad4 for example) - but not really common.Most distributors began going to electronic pickups starting around 1972 - but some imports actually still used points into the mid-'80s! Fortunately for those of us who still have a vehicle that came with points, there are easy drop-in conversion kits to switch it to electronic. That's what I've got in my '65. I sure don't miss messing around with points!John

[bodhi_tree777]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »How many years ago has it been that ignition coils replaced distributors? It has to be 30+ years. my 90 VW Golf still has a distributor, and I'm pretty sure the Mark IIIs (1992-1999) had them as well, so not toooo terribly far back.

[murray]

Thanks for imput on distributor topic.Any other ideas on how to get optimum performance from my Vibe?

[murray]

Great info John. Thanks!!

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by j42.snyder »Actually, many manufacturers were still using distributors even during this decade.In the mid to late '80s, GM started phasing in the distributorless ignition using coil packs and conventional wires on many models. Most others probably switched most of their vehicles around the same time - but the imports seemed most reluctant to change. I have a friend with a 2001 Nissan XTerra that has a distributor.The first I noticed the new "coil on plug" setup was around 2000. There were the odd earlier versions out (GM's Quad4 for example) - but not really common.Most distributors began going to electronic pickups starting around 1972 - but some imports actually still used points into the mid-'80s! Fortunately for those of us who still have a vehicle that came with points, there are easy drop-in conversion kits to switch it to electronic. That's what I've got in my '65. I sure don't miss messing around with points!JohnI obviously am not a techie when it comes to cars - my 1977 Buick had a HEI Coil (High energy ignition coil). Maybe it ALSO had a distributor - I don't know. The coil would blow at least every 9 months. Those were the days of the 12,000 mile / 1 year warranty so it cost me. The dealer could not figure out why. A letter to GM was answered with a form letter telling me to see my dealer. A shop specializing in electrical stuff guessed it was the spark plug wires. Replaced those and no more problems. Those wires were probably bad from the beginning. That issue caused me to boycott GM cars until 2003 when I got my first Vibe, which of course is a GM car in name only.

[ColonelPanic]

I've seen some Hondas well into the 90's that still had distributors. That's one piece of automotive equipment that I must say I do not miss. Coil on plug setups are so much simpler. Rather costly when they go though!

[star_deceiver]

My Bike has points, and is 6 Volt too! Needless to say, it needs adjusting about every 500kms, and 6 volt electrical components are hard to find and expensive!!! (sealed beam 30w/30w headlight - $35... ignition coil - don't ask...)

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »My Bike has points, and is 6 Volt too! Needless to say, it needs adjusting about every 500kms, and 6 volt electrical components are hard to find and expensive!!! (sealed beam 30w/30w headlight - $35... ignition coil - don't ask...)Yore bike is a 79'.... like no kidding.... lol....

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by murray »I've changed my spark plugs and air cleaner.Is there a distrubutor on my '05 Vibe? I am looking to clean contact points and perhaps install a new rotor, ( as in other vehicles) to improve fuel economy.Thanks...Do the plugs, never a bad idea... checking the gap from time to time isn't a bad PM idea (preventive maintenance)Running a bottle of Cheveron Techtron isn't a bad idea every other oil change.. (some say every, I don't) A fresh battery would help... Adding to and cleaning up the grounds around the car can help.. Do a search here for "the big 3" and it should reference adding to the main grounds under the hood.. But cleaning up any ground in the car you find can be beneficial.. It's not going to release 40hp, but it could net a few HP and possibly some MPG as well... less stress on the ignition system.. Remember, the factory does the LEAST they can safely get away with.. so some of the systems have simple improvements that can be made.. Keep the tires inflated properly and checked regularly.. A cold air intake and a better exhaust can help, on both sides of the performance scale, both in HP and MPG... letting the engine breath better.. Oh and welcome to GV...!!!Cheers..

[star_deceiver]

Check out the 2009 Honda Rebel. With the exception of the crankshaft (longer stroke) and 12 volt electronics, the engine is Identical to mine. One of the few indestructable things Honda created. Honda doesn't do reliability like the used to, though.