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I have replaced all plugs, wires, distributor, distributor cap, rotor cap, cam, timing gears, timing chain, and set the distributor pointing at the printed 6 on the base of the distributor with the engine at #1 tdc. got it to start once and now it tries but wont start. any ideas?
it is an edi distributor. no ignition timing adjustment and to set the distributor in you have to aim it at the triangle tab(has a 6 on it for the 6 cylinder version and an 8 for the 8 cylinder) that does point to number one post in cap. i had it running where it is, and now it wont start again.it is an edi distributor. no ignition timing adjustment and to set the distributor in you have to aim it at the triangle tab(has a 6 on it for the 6 cylinder version and an 8 for the 8 cylinder) that does point to number one post in cap. i had it running where it is, and now it wont start again.
Does it try and start like coughing back, if so you could be set on the exhaust stroke and not the inlet, try thatDoes it try and start like coughing back, if so you could be set on the exhaust stroke and not the inlet, try that
did that and reset it already to get it to start the first time, but after shutting it off it wont start again.it fires one cylider and stops. sometimes fires a few and then nothing.did that and reset it already to get it to start the first time, but after shutting it off it wont start again.it fires one cylider and stops. sometimes fires a few and then nothing.
it is an edi distributor. no ignition timing adjustment and to set the distributor in you have to aim it at the triangle tab(has a 6 on it for the 6 cylinder version and an 8 for the 8 cylinder) that does point to number one post in cap. i had it running where it is, and now it wont start again.it is an edi distributor. no ignition timing adjustment and to set the distributor in you have to aim it at the triangle tab(has a 6 on it for the 6 cylinder version and an 8 for the 8 cylinder) that does point to number one post in cap. i had it running where it is, and now it wont start again.
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This a very common problem.
A loose CMP sensor causing a variance in the sensor signal
Excessive free play in the timing chain and gear assembly
Incorrectly installed distributor - 1 tooth off in either advance or retard positions
A loose distributor rotor on the distributor shaft
A faulty crank position sensor
Is it possible to turn the distributor shaft 180 degrees and reinstall the dist ? I am assuming you have spark at the plugs, just not at the right time ? If the distributor has not been moved, and the rotor points to the wrong wire, you could have put the cam gear in upside down ?
First does the rotor turn when cranking engine?? possible timing chain is out or stripped gear..are you sure it has no spark??did you verify this with a high output spark tester ? did you spray starting fluid in the tbi unit ?
I would check the rotor very carefully. They tend to burn a hole through the plastic under the center tab. It's hard to see sometimes. The spark follows that path instead of to the wire terminals. You may just want to try a new distributor cap and rotor.
A 2-letter code on the oil filler tube identified the engine. If its a 455 there will be Oldsmobile W-455, on the intake manifold, if not it is most likely the 350. Sounds like you might have a bad timing chain. To check for excessive play in the timing chain, remove the distributor cap, take a socket that fits the crankshaft bolt, on a rachet, and rotate the crankshaft pulley and watch how long it takes for the distributor rotor to turn, if you can turn the crankshaft alot before the rotor turns, you have a streched timing chain, or may have jumped time. Alot of old GMs had nylon gear teeth on the cam gear, often these teeth would break apart and come off, allowing the chain to slip around the cam gear, throwing the motor out of time.
crank shaft sen. is easy enough to change.its mounted near timing chain cover,cam sen.is somewhat harder,its in the distributor,id doubt that both are defect
If it no longer starts, the easiest way to check for timing chain failure is eyeballing the distributor rotor. You'll need a helper.
Procedure:
Pull the air filter assembly
Loosen the distributor cap mounting screws. (They won't come completely out) Some distributors have 'half-twist' fasteners that look like screws. With these you push down and give it a half turn.
Pull up on the cap and set it aside.
In side you'll see a round plastic thing with a piece of metal going from the center to the outside. This is the rotor.
Have your helper turn the engine over while you watch the rotor. WARNING: Keep clear of the engine while doing this. It won't start, but it can still cause damage.
Is the rotor turning? If not, your timing chain is broken.
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