distributor problems 1.8 v6

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tracker
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distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by tracker »

I have a '94 mx3 with a 1.8 v6 , (166km) which has abruptly quit running. The motor turns over, timing belt is intact, but no spark. The rotor on the distributor does not rotate when the motor is turning over. Would I be correct in assuming that the distributor shaft or parts thereof are scrooged? Suggestions most welcome.
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fowljesse
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Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by fowljesse »

Sounds like it to me. It's very easy to take out. Hopefully, you don't have a broken cam! Maybe it's just loose, and the teeth aren't engaging.
'93 GS - P&P DE w/ ZE exh. cams/ pistns, KLG4 IM, 65mm TB, MSnS, Phenos, K&N RAI, UDP, Grnd wires, rear batt, filld MM, torq strt, TWM short shftr, Exedy, Lng tube hdrs 2.5" Side exhaust, H&R sprngs, Poly bushngs, strutbars, Alum. crss mmber&tiebar, 22mm swybar, solid links, Direzzas, leather int, Alpine 9805 stereo & alrm, keyless entry, 10 Boston Accoustics spkrs, Prjectrs, Blaster2, CF hood, FG hatch, Lexan
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Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by tracker »

fowljesse wrote:Sounds like it to me. It's very easy to take out. Hopefully, you don't have a broken cam! Maybe it's just loose, and the teeth aren't engaging.
Do these motors have a habit of snapping distributor shafts or cams?
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Ryan
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Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by Ryan »

Not really.

How did you ensure the belt was intact? What often happens is the crank pully shears off all the teeth around it, so the belt is in place, but does not rotate with the crank.
Now with Moderator power!

Black '93 BP RS - wrecked, parted, scrapped.
Green GS - Sold.
Black GS - Summer DD/Race car - Fancy KLZE
Red GS - K8-ATX -> MTX-KLDE - Frakencar. Scrapped
White GS - Rusty. Parts. Scrapped
1997 BMW M3 - my summer baby
2002 BMW 325Xi - sold
2003 Forester Xti - EJ20K swapped.
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tracker
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Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by tracker »

I haven't pulled the cover off the timing belt but the tension was still intact, so I assumed (rightly or wrongly) that the problem was the distributor. I will have to get someone to crank it over while I watch the belt for rotation. Is the shearing of teeth a common problem for motors with this mileage ( 160,000 km/100,000 miles)?
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fowljesse
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Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by fowljesse »

How do you know the tension was still intact without taking off the cover? It is not common for the distributors' gears to fail. You can take off the small bolts, and pull the timing belt cover back just enough to see if it's moving while someone cranks it, or pull the disty out, and watch the cam end.
'93 GS - P&P DE w/ ZE exh. cams/ pistns, KLG4 IM, 65mm TB, MSnS, Phenos, K&N RAI, UDP, Grnd wires, rear batt, filld MM, torq strt, TWM short shftr, Exedy, Lng tube hdrs 2.5" Side exhaust, H&R sprngs, Poly bushngs, strutbars, Alum. crss mmber&tiebar, 22mm swybar, solid links, Direzzas, leather int, Alpine 9805 stereo & alrm, keyless entry, 10 Boston Accoustics spkrs, Prjectrs, Blaster2, CF hood, FG hatch, Lexan
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Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by tracker »

i spread the cover just enough to see and push on the belt.
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Ryan
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Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by Ryan »

Unless the camshaft broke, which has happened, the only other possibility is the belt. The distributor does not break like that. There is no counterload on its rotation, so nothing will break it...

Check the belt properly, and if its alright, pull off the front valvecover.
Now with Moderator power!

Black '93 BP RS - wrecked, parted, scrapped.
Green GS - Sold.
Black GS - Summer DD/Race car - Fancy KLZE
Red GS - K8-ATX -> MTX-KLDE - Frakencar. Scrapped
White GS - Rusty. Parts. Scrapped
1997 BMW M3 - my summer baby
2002 BMW 325Xi - sold
2003 Forester Xti - EJ20K swapped.
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fowljesse
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Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by fowljesse »

It's possible that you sheared some teeth on the belt, too. You can either look in the disty hole, or a spark plug hole while someone turns the car over
'93 GS - P&P DE w/ ZE exh. cams/ pistns, KLG4 IM, 65mm TB, MSnS, Phenos, K&N RAI, UDP, Grnd wires, rear batt, filld MM, torq strt, TWM short shftr, Exedy, Lng tube hdrs 2.5" Side exhaust, H&R sprngs, Poly bushngs, strutbars, Alum. crss mmber&tiebar, 22mm swybar, solid links, Direzzas, leather int, Alpine 9805 stereo & alrm, keyless entry, 10 Boston Accoustics spkrs, Prjectrs, Blaster2, CF hood, FG hatch, Lexan
tracker
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Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6

Post by tracker »

Great suggestions! Thanks all! I will post the results.
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