Mechanical Distributors Course: Complete Repair
Online 300 h course in mechanical distributors: complete repair. 6 modules covering ISO 6518-2 (ignition systems, electrical performance and test methods), SAE J973 (ignition system measurement procedures) and advanced Excel (advance curves). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Mechanical Distributors Course: Complete Repair — studying from Malta
Malta's rich heritage, including historic buildings, vintage vehicles and maritime craft, creates a niche for restoration and conservation work. Owners of classic cars, motorcycles and boats seek specialist workshops with knowledge of period engineering and materials. Restoration of historic architecture also requires engineers and technicians familiar with traditional construction methods and conservation rules. Opportunities tend to be found with specialist workshops, heritage organisations and private restorers.
Fees for Malta: €546 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Is there a recognised professional body in Malta for restoration and classic vehicle engineering?
Malta does not have a single state-regulated profession for classic vehicle restoration. Vehicle registration and roadworthiness are handled by Transport Malta. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body. Recognition is determined by employers, clients or the relevant body, so check these before enrolling.
What work could restoration engineers find in Malta?
Malta has a niche market for classic vehicle restoration, mainly through independent workshops, specialist garages and private collectors. Work is often built on reputation and practical craftsmanship. Whether a private online qualification adds value is for individual clients and employers to judge, so it is best to consider it alongside your hands-on experience.
Can I study this part-time with a workshop job, and is funding possible?
Yes. The programmes are fully online, taught in English and suitable for study from home, without needing a student visa. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship is possible, and each student has an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain how the distributor works and its advance mechanisms.
Disassemble and inspect shafts, bushes, counterweights and vacuum capsules.
Mechanically repair play and wear in the distributor.
Measure and correct advance curves on a test bench.
Assemble and tune the distributor on the engine.
Evaluate electronic conversions while maintaining the original appearance.
Draw up a maintenance plan for the ignition system.
Who it's for
- Classic ignition specialist who wants to specialise in Mechanical Distributors: Complete Repair.
- Historic vehicle electrician who wants to specialise in Mechanical Distributors: Complete Repair.
- Classic car restoration mechanic who wants to specialise in Mechanical Distributors: Complete Repair.
- Test bench technician who wants to specialise in Mechanical Distributors: Complete Repair.
- Historic engine tuner who wants to specialise in Mechanical Distributors: Complete Repair.
- Electrical component reconstructor who wants to specialise in Mechanical Distributors: Complete Repair.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter classic car restoration workshops.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6518-2 (ignition systems, electrical performance and test methods)
- SAE J973 (ignition system measurement procedures)
- SAE J2031 (high-tension ignition cables)
- UNECE Regulation No. 10 (electromagnetic compatibility)
- Directive 72/245/EEC (radio interference)
- FIVA Technical Code
- Turin Charter (FIVA, 2013)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Role within the ignition system1.2Distributor parts1.3Contact breaker and electronic distributors1.4Common manufacturers and families1.5Identifying the model and its application1.6Factory advance curves1.7Documentation and technical data1.8Symptoms of a worn distributor1.9Tools and bench required1.10Workshop: identification and initial diagnosis
2.1Removing the distributor from the vehicle and marking2.2Cap, rotor and carbon brush2.3Contact breaker points, condenser and plate2.4Shaft and bushes: radial play2.5Counterweights and springs2.6Vacuum capsule2.7Bearings and washers2.8Internal lubrication2.9Measurement sheet2.10Practice: complete disassembly and diagnosis
3.1Bushes and their replacement3.2Regrinding or replacing the shaft3.3Repairing the contact breaker plate3.4Springs and counterweights: cleaning and adjustment3.5Vacuum capsule: checking and replacement3.6Cap and rotor: cracks and carbon tracking3.7Fixings and gaskets3.8External finish3.9Assembly with correct torque3.10Practice: rebuilding a distributor
4.1Distributor test bench and its use4.2Plotting the centrifugal curve4.3Plotting the vacuum curve4.4Comparison with the factory curve4.5Adjusting springs and stops4.6Dispersion between cylinders4.7Dwell angle and its measurement4.8Correcting deviations4.9Report on the curve obtained4.10Practice: full calibration on the bench
5.1Setting the distributor timing on the engine5.2Adjusting the dwell angle5.3Timing with a stroboscopic lamp5.4Checking advance under running conditions5.5Adjusting to the available fuel5.6Checking the capsule on the vehicle5.7High-tension leads and spark plugs5.8Diagnosing faults after assembly5.9Recording the values5.10Practice: complete timing
6.1Electronic ignition within the distributor6.2Reversibility of the conversion6.3Authenticity criteria6.4Routine maintenance6.5Lubrication and contact breaker replacement6.6Spare parts and reproductions6.7Common workshop errors6.8Preserving original parts6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: restored and calibrated distributor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is advanced Excel (advance curves), MATLAB, PicoScope, MegaSquirt TunerStudio, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real distributor test bench procedures, measurement of centrifugal and vacuum advance curves, and timing with a stroboscopic lamp. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain how the distributor works and its advance mechanisms.
Disassemble and inspect shafts, bushes, counterweights and vacuum capsules.
Mechanically repair play and wear in the distributor.
Measure and correct advance curves on a test bench.
Assemble and tune the distributor on the engine.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient English to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That averages between 10 and 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with advanced Excel (advance curves), MATLAB, PicoScope and MegaSquirt TunerStudio. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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