distributor woes

[bert89]

Well ill make a long story short


Car was running fine yet a very small rough idle so i go to the junkyard and get a new distributor off the old engine that died a few monthes back. So i take everything off and install it, great. I try to start the car, but to no prevail, i forgot to put the engine at TDC and the rotor wasnt on 1# piston. All i get is a trying engine and when i let go of the key i hear it all spin down then a slight klunk , just 1 klunk. Ive put on theold cap and rotor but to no prevail.


What have i done.


1989 maxima 3.0 VG vg30e engine auto tranny

new fuel filter, air filter plugs wires etc...

[sparkeykev]

you need to time the engine get it at top dead centre (TDC) No 1 cyl timing mark on front crank pulley
you need to fit distributor so when it is fitted the rotor is pointing at No 1 spark lead note as distributor is fitted the rotor may turn if the drive is a gear take this into account in positioning rotor before fitting

[bert89]

Thank you


So to put the engine at TDC i take of the timing belt cover and have that little marking on the top on themain pulley?

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by bert89

Thank you


So to put the engine at TDC i take of the timing belt cover and have that little marking on the top on themain pulley?

No, do not touch the belt ... if you not have played with it.

Rotate engine via crank bolt or by hand using accessory belts. TDC mark at crank pulley meets TDC pointer (in the belt cover) - when distr rotor points to cyl 1 ... as sparkeykev said.

Your clunk may be unrelated... starter/ solenoid bad?

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