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 New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,080 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
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 Spanish 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.
Related programmes
Carburettor Tuning for Historic Motorcycles Course
Online 300-hour course in carburettor tuning for historic motorcycles. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (type-approval of L-category vehicles), UNECE Regulation No. 40 (motorcycle emissions) and…
Course in Timekeeping in Classic Car Events
300-hour online course in timekeeping in classic car events. 6 modules covering the FIA International Sporting Code, RFEDA regularity regulations and Blunik (regularity timing systems). Assigned…
Course in Electrical Regulation for Vintage Alternators
Online 300 h course in electrical regulation for vintage alternators. 6 modules covering ISO 8854 (alternators with regulator: tests), ISO 16750-2 (electrical loads in road vehicles)…
More in Restoration & Classics
All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships