How to find the right Automotive Replacement Ignition Magnetic Pickups AI guide

Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.

What the AI looks for in Automotive Replacement Ignition Magnetic Pickups

Distributor family match: Match the pickup to the specific distributor type, such as GM HEI, Ford Duraspark or Chrysler electronic, and to its year range. Also match the connector. Pickups differ in mounting, lead length and connector even within one maker's lineup.
Coil resistance check: Measure resistance across the two pickup leads with an ohmmeter and compare it to the service manual spec. Check that neither lead has continuity to ground. An open, out-of-range or grounded winding is the main way pickups fail, and it causes intermittent stalling when the engine is hot.
Air gap setting: Where the distributor has an adjustable gap, set the reluctor-to-pickup gap with a non-magnetic (brass) feeler gauge. A steel gauge is pulled by the magnet and gives a false reading. The wrong gap weakens or kills the trigger signal.
Lead routing and strain relief: Route the leads so vacuum-advance plate movement cannot pinch or flex-break them. Chafed or fatigued leads are a common cause of failure in pickups that are otherwise good.

Standard Motor Products: Broad catalog of distributor pickups for older domestic and import applications.
Wells: Long-running ignition electronics brand covering many legacy distributors.
ACDelco: GM-original-equipment-line pickups for HEI-era GM vehicles.
Motorcraft: Ford's own parts brand for Duraspark-era stators.
Beck/Arnley: Import-focused replacement ignition parts.

Replacing the pickup before measuring it, when the actual fault is the ignition module or the wiring.
Using a steel feeler gauge to set the air gap.
Unbranded pickups with no listed vehicle or distributor application.