Distributor Cap and Rotor

[gaston 2005 502]

Just wondering how long do the distributor cap and rotor last on most Boss Hoss bikes and trikes? when i say how long they last what i mean is inside the distributor cap how long does it take for the inserts to get corroded? I am using the MSD red cap with brass inserts, and i have used the borg warner select also. not a lot of corrosion or oxidation but some. Can incorrect timing cause the inserts to oxidize faster. how often do ya'll change or clean or recommend to change or clean the caps? Any information provided is appreciated.

Darryl

[zenbiker]

If the oxidation gets bad you will feel the difference. I would look at the contacts at 20K and replace the cap and rotor if needed. You should also check the weight pivots for "ovalling"......Joe

[Sonny]

Good question Darryl. I was wondering the same thing. Thanks for the input Joe.

[gaston 2005 502]

If i open it up and there is corrosion, i replace it. When i got my bike it had 2700 miles on it. i have now had my bike since may 07 and since i am always gone to work it seems like i just have put a little over 7000 miles on it myself and i have probably changed the cap 4 times. as i said i don't like any corrosion inside of the cap. i could probably clean the corrosion off, but. playing with timing, install vacuum advance carb work, and ignition work, i check it often. if it wasn't the brass inserts instead of the aluminum inserts i would change more often. if i new the answers to the other questions i posed it would help,,, but

Darryl

[zenbiker]

If the contacts are only slightly oxidized, 2000 grit sandpaper works great! Use contact cleaner after. If they are burnt or pitted..the rotor and cap must be changed.
Darryl..I don't know if bad timing does anything to them but I can't see why it should. The spark jumps across in any case which is the cause of the oxidation
That's a lot of changes in 7K miles. I've gone 10K without even looking at my old cap and rotor!...Joe