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distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 6th, 2010, 11:32 pm
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.
Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 7th, 2010, 1:32 am
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.
Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 7th, 2010, 11:12 am
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?
Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 7th, 2010, 11:43 am
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.
Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 7th, 2010, 5:51 pm
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)?
Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 7th, 2010, 6:08 pm
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.
Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 7th, 2010, 6:59 pm
by tracker
i spread the cover just enough to see and push on the belt.
Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 7th, 2010, 11:32 pm
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.
Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 8th, 2010, 3:59 pm
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
Re: distributor problems 1.8 v6
Posted: February 8th, 2010, 7:11 pm
by tracker
Great suggestions! Thanks all! I will post the results.