Pot, kettle, both black.

2 minutes ago, Zed Head said:

Pot, kettle, both black.

in what sense?

I popped off my cap/rotor today because i got a couple of those small/quick jerks where it like the engine shuts off a cylinder for a second. The teeth look like they're being chewed up and there's scratches on the inside sides of the cap (circled). Could that be it? Also, how does this even happen? Can the car still run well if the rotor isn't pressed fully down? I remember this happened when I started driving the car habitually after sitting for a while but this behavior eventually went away.

Here's some images with the problems I noticed circled:

Don’t think so. That rotor would have been shredded if that were the case. Probably a cap going south IMO. There’s still alot of contact left on the cap nubbin.

Time to start over and check it all the time. The 2 bands that hold the cap in place could be as tight as you can get them. Agree with @Yarb on the cap being the problem.

It could be that red plug socket/boot? 😄

Ok ill grab a new cap/rotor combo

How many miles are on that cap?

10 minutes ago, Patcon said:

How many miles are on that cap?

I don't drive it enough for it to be sizable and the cap is a couple years old so MAYBE 1000?

That's really not very many miles for a cap. I agree, I would replace it and then just check it periodically. I also suggest buying a small journal and writing down the mileage when you install parts and perform oil changes. It surprising how fast time goes by! I will also add unique details about my car in my journal, such as what brake rotors and pads I run on my car. I have a conversion kit. That way who ever comes along behind me, knows how to source replacements...

Try and find a cap with brass "teeth" instead of the aluminum one you show in you cap. They hold up better. My cap did the same with the aluminum.

Alas like most things nowadays, cheaper components at the same price as the good ones used to be.

Glad to hear the cap might be where this issue is coming from instead of the transistor ignition unit or the ecu but I wonder how those teeth got so chewed up

I always assumed it was spark erosion...