While removing the plug cables, I also removed the rubber cap (see picture), and put it in my trousers pocket.
The pocket had a hole, and you can imagine the rest.

My question is - what is this lid for? Is this just an oversized lid for a small hole or there's something special in it? And what is the hole in the cap for?



Depending on your kind answers, unless I'm so lucky that I find the lid on the floor, I may have to source a new cap, or find someone with a broken distributor willing to sell the lid, or find a kind soul that will send me some dimensions so that I may design a new one and 3D print it in TPU elastomer powder.
Thanks!

 

Does nothing AFAIK. Plug it with whatever looks good and fuggedabowdid. The part is -or likely- was avai separately from Mazda once upon a time. OR: Buy a 2nd cap, use the plug off that one, just hang on to it when you swap in new cap...

Stu A
80GS
AZ

 

I was in fact tempted by your suggested option - buy another a second cap, use the lid and keep the cap... Thanks!

 

The cap is a lid for the vent. It doesn't seal against the protrusion and is supposed to allow fresh air in to keep moisture out. This helps prevent arcing inside of the cap on days where moisture could build up inside of the cap. I personally would want the cap on my distributor cap. I would take Stu's advice and buy another if you can't find the cap. Save the cap from the new one and when you are ready to replace the distributor cap again, use the one that you lost the cap to.

 

Its just to cover the vent so stuff doesn't get in the dizzy. The vent is needed as mentioned to allow the cap to breathe so condensation doesn't form. You could pop an old chunk of hose on it and put a 90 degree elbow in the open end to keep out the dirt. Or do what Stu suggested.

 

For the +- $20 a dizzy cap costs, it's worth it.

 

I have found and bought a complete distributor for about 50 USD including shipment to Italy. Thank you all.