Choosing the Right Distributor Cap for Your 1970-1978 American Motors Gremlin
Keep your Gremlin's engine firing on all cylinders with a reliable new aftermarket distributor cap.
- Always replace the distributor cap and rotor together for a complete ignition tune-up.
- Symptoms like rough idling, hard starts, and misfiring are strong indicators of a failing cap.
- High-quality aftermarket brands like Standard Ignition and ACDelco are reliable choices for the Gremlin.
- Visually inspect the inside of the cap for cracks, corrosion, and carbon tracks before replacing.
Is Your Gremlin Running Rough? It Could Be the Distributor Cap.
The distributor cap is a simple but critical part of your 1970-1978 AMC Gremlin's ignition system. Over time, these caps wear out. They can develop cracks, and the metal contacts inside can corrode or build up carbon. When this happens, the spark your engine needs to run properly gets weak or inconsistent. This can cause several noticeable problems.
Common symptoms of a failing distributor cap include:
- Hard Starting: The engine cranks but struggles to fire up, especially in cold or damp weather.
- Engine Misfires and Rough Idle: You might feel the engine shaking or running unevenly, particularly when stopped at a light.
- Stalling and Backfiring: The engine may suddenly die or backfire through the exhaust because the spark timing is off.
- Poor Acceleration: The car feels sluggish and lacks power when you press the gas pedal. 🎬 Watch a breakdown of common symptoms and replacement costs.
Visual Inspection is Key
The easiest way to check your distributor cap is to look at it. Unclip or unscrew the cap and look inside. Check for hairline cracks, white or greenish corrosion on the metal terminals, or black lines that look like pencil marks. These lines, called carbon tracks, show where spark is escaping and not going to the spark plugs. Any of these signs mean it's time for a replacement.
🎬 See how to check your distributor cap for common problems.Choosing the Right Aftermarket Distributor Cap
For a classic car like the Gremlin, new original equipment (OEM) parts from American Motors are no longer available. However, the aftermarket offers excellent, high-quality replacements. The key is to choose a reputable brand. For this part, you don't need to spend a fortune, but you should avoid the cheapest, no-name options.
Here's a look at the available brands:
- Standard Ignition (Standard Motor Products): Often considered a top-tier aftermarket brand, especially for ignition components. They are known for quality materials and reliable performance. Some forum users prefer their premium "Blue Streak" line or caps with brass contacts for longer life.
- ACDelco: While an OEM supplier for GM, ACDelco also makes reliable and high-quality parts for other vehicle makes. They are a trusted name in the aftermarket and a solid choice for your Gremlin.
- Walker Products: Walker is a well-known brand in engine management parts. They engineer their caps with high-dielectric materials to resist carbon tracking and use precision contacts for consistent voltage.
Pro Tip: Always replace the distributor rotor when you replace the cap. The rotor is the part that spins inside the cap and it wears out at the same rate. They are often sold together in a kit.
Distributor Cap Replacement Cost for 1970-1978 AMC Gremlin
| Part Type | Part Cost | Shop Labor Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket | $12.13 - $40.73 | $30 - $60 | $42.13 - $100.73 |
| New OEM | Not Available | - | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my Gremlin's distributor cap?
Distributor caps are a maintenance item. It's a good practice to inspect it annually and replace it as part of a tune-up every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, or whenever you replace your spark plugs and wires.
Should I get a cap with brass or aluminum contacts?
Many classic car enthusiasts prefer caps with brass terminals over the standard aluminum ones. Brass is a better conductor and is more resistant to corrosion, which can lead to a longer service life and more consistent performance.
Is replacing a distributor cap a good DIY job?
Yes, this is one of the easiest jobs you can do on a Gremlin. The distributor is typically easy to access. The cap is held on by two clips or screws. The most important part is to transfer the spark plug wires from the old cap to the new cap one at a time to ensure the firing order stays correct.
🎬 Learn how to fix a bad distributor cap and rotor.Were there any recalls on the Gremlin distributor cap?
No, there were no recalls issued by the NHTSA for the distributor cap on the 1970-1978 American Motors Gremlin. Any issues with the original parts are due to age and normal wear.
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Technical Specifications
Varies by engine (AMC I6 or V8). Ensure the cap has the correct number of terminals for your engine (6 for I6, 8 for V8) and the correct mounting style (clip-on or screw-down).
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.