Ignition System: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Distributor exploded view:

This vehicle uses a solid-state ignition system. The distributor consists of a rotor, igniter, signal generator, vacuum and centrifugal advance units, Fig. 1.
The ignition signal is generated by the signal generator which consists of a signal rotor, a magnet, and a pickup coil. The signal rotor is attached to the distributor shaft, while the magnet and pickup coil are attached to the generator base plate.
As the distributor shaft rotates, the magnetic flux passing through the pickup coil varies due to the change in air gap between the pickup coil and signal rotor. This, in turn, induces a high voltage in the secondary winding of the ignition coil which fires the spark plugs.