distributor/ ignition problem.

[fender-startocaster]

Whats up guys? well to make this short i bought a working ka24de to put into my 89. I rebuilded it dince it was out of the car. My goal was to build a reliable engine- mostly oem parts where used.

On to the problems. My ecu reads code 21, meaning ignition problem right?

The car doesnt get spark so i replaced the fallowing items.
coil, icm, spark plugs and wires.

After that didnt do much i replaced the distributor and walla! car gets spark now but very low spark. After a day or so of trying to get it to start the car dosnt get spark anymore witch brings me to the asumption that something may be frying my distributor.

Other questions id like adressed.
1. if the car was properly timed would i still get spark?
2. would i be able to use a coil from a single cam plus the connector?
3. Is the their a guide to proper timing?

Thanks guys. Ive been without a car for a month now. Thanks!

[iambape]

did you replace the sparkplug wires correctly? if not that could cause the car to not start.

also does it make clicking sound?
if so that might be your starter going out.
or you can just get it checked and replace your solenoid.

[Dream240]

There's so many things that worry me with your post I don't know where to begin.

1. You can only use the S13 external coil setup if you're using an S13 engine w/harness.
2. You used to have spark, but after all your testing you lose it....? Battery prolly dead.
3. Hopefully you set the engine's base timing correctly when you rebuilt it. If not, you're never going to start.

4. Assuming you did,
a. You need to set your crank to 20deg. BTDC cyl. #1
b. Align your dist. timing marks BEFORE you install it into the head.
c. Attach the plug wires to dist. cap CORRECTLY. (Coil too if applicable).
d. Ensure that spark plugs & wires are secured in head properly.
e. If all above is done correctly, and your battery is charged, car should start.

If not, you got probs. Get a knowledgeable Zilvian that lives nearby to come fix it for you. Pay him in beer, always works!

GL

[fender-startocaster]

iambape:
Spark plug wires are where they are supposed to be. also ive had a starter give out on me. The car turns over just doesnt start.

Dream240:
1. I have the ka24de coil, i was just wondering if i could use thr kae and just splice the connector because my current coil has a bit to much resistance.
2. Your right, with all the testing my battery did go dead.. so i got it charged.
3. till i get it to start i am not certain it is 100% correct. would an engine get spark even if it wasnt properly aligned?
4. abcd and e are all good.


Ok so at this point i want to know why its not geting spark and fix it. It turns over and gets fuel. I doubt any zilvanians live near palmdale 93550

[Dream240]

The engine's base timing is actually independent from the ignition timing, but they work together. So even if your base timing is off, you will still get spark.

Spark is achieved by the correct wiring, dist, coil, spark plugs, and wires. So if you're actually getting spark, then you've got a timing issue.

[fender-startocaster]

Thanks for all the help.

I still have this one question though.

- Wht could cause a distributor to fry or go bad? Im positive that the first dizzy i had worked then got fried, second dizzy worked to but after a few tries it was fried as well. I dont want to purchase another one only to fry it.

[Dream240]

How do you know they were fried? The only thing I can think of that would ruin a dist. is bad wiring, crappy manufacturing, or age.

If you keep having failing dist, then you've got another problem. I'm leaning towards bad wiring. Unfortunately wiring is not my forte, so you might have more help asking PROJECTRDM (Russ).

BTW, I have a never used S13 remanufactured distributor. Paid $300 for the damn thing. I'll sell it to you for 50 bucks if you want it. I bought it when I had my old S13 with firing problems, only to find out it was just the wires (2 sets!). And they wouldn't let me return it because it was special order. My loss is your gain. I have pics, if your interested, PM me.

LMK.

[iambape]

ohh, if it cranks but doenst start .. hmm..

check your fuel it might not be getting to the cyliders. It's probably a blown fuse to the fuel pump or a bad fuel pump...or a poor connection somewhere. my friends car didnt start because of a fuel leak.

[Dream240]

ohh, if it cranks but doenst start .. hmm..

check your fuel it might not be getting to the cyliders. It's probably a blown fuse to the fuel pump or a bad fuel pump...or a poor connection somewhere. my friends car didnt start because of a fuel leak.

ugh....

Try to keep up man. He already said it was getting fuel. It's ignition, mainly timing.

[iambape]

^^ hahha.

my bad xP

[fender-startocaster]

thanks for the responses guys!

Dream240:

I am not positive that its fried. i dunno how to test a distributor....

However the only wiring i did was to the ecu and ive checked it pleanty times and its all good.

Ill take your distributor though. ill pm you.

[fender-startocaster]

So it's my bday tomorrow and there isn't a better gift than getting my car started. After spending money on parts I thought went bad I decided to purchase a 5spd engine harness (was using the auto first). I wanted a cleaner connection so I decided to repin instead of cut and solder. Repining was actually faster. Anyhow idk why this did it. Any thoughts on this?

Dream 240: let me know what's up with the distributor since I already paypaled the money to you.

[Dream240]

Part is on it's way!

Happy Burf-day