Reusing Cap and Rotor

[llll1l1ll]

Hey all,

I'm about to splurge on some parts. I was wondering whether or not you guys believe in using some sandpaper to "grind down" the contacts on the cap and rotor to "refurbish" them rather than buying an entirely new cap and rotor set. I'm getting new spark plugs and stuff. I wouldn't grind them down far - just enough to expose some new metal.

Was just wondering if any of you guys would do this. Seems legit.

Best,
Peter

[Adrian_Visser]

No.

Although I have done it on my old e28, but sanding the points will increase the air gap between the points and make you lose spark intensity.

[llll1l1ll]

See, I was thinking that it would increase the gap between the rotor and cap.

[StereoInstaller1]

I clean them with a pencil eraser or like 1500 grit, no worries.

[SpecM]

I've scrapped some of the carbony black crap off of mine before, but that was in a pinch to get the car to run. It does work, its just not the best service method

Best bet is to cough up $80-100 for a good new set. PM "Blunt" here

[llll1l1ll]

Well, they are a little over a year old and lately the car has just been chillin' thanks to public transportation and close office proximity.

I can take a look at them maybe tomorrow and just spruce them up a tad. I have a long trip coming up in a couple weeks and I'm going to change the spark plugs but I just wanted to make sure the cap and rotor are in good shape first so I can order parts if need be.

[nando]

no.

if they are still useful, then just leave them alone. if it's worn beyond use, sanding it isn't going to help.

[StereoInstaller1]

Shit, mine are like 18 years old and run fine.

[llll1l1ll]

I've never noticed an enormous difference when installing new caps and rotors. Spark plugs, though. I notice those.

[AndrewBird]

It's a common thing to sand them. You aren't removing a lot of material, you are removing the carbon build up on top of the material. As long as you don't go crazy with it, it works great.

[llll1l1ll]

That's what I figured. Again, I might look at them soon. I have to drive my car pretty far soon and I want the best running-"ness."