1993 240SX KA24DE 112,000 miles suddenly wont start- turns over fine

[stratmatt777]

So far I have replaced the cap and rotor and the fuel filter (all of which hadn't been changed in years) and there is no change.

It cranks over fine, but it just wont start. While turning over, every several turns it will sound like it was just about to fire- but no. Afterward it smells like fuel. I have verified good spark on the #1 spark plug.

Is it possible to check timing on an engine that wont run? Does timing ever just suddenly go bad for no reason?

It has been making the sound that is described as the timing chain rubbing on the guides.

It has a Viper alarm from the early 90's- do they ever just suddenly cut out the ignition for no reason?

Any ideas before I tow it to a mechanic tomorrow?

thanks everyone!

[Roger_cha]

well the alarm is not the cause of that because the alarm should just kill the starter... you said that it cranks but wont start, you said that after that you smell fuel and check #1 spark plug to have spark then did you check the rest of the spark plugs and are the spark strong or seems weak.. you cant check the timing when the car is not on you can take off the valve cover and check it like that yes but its up to you and the timing does effect the starting problem but if you havent touch the timing except changing the cap and rotors then you r good

[stratmatt777]

Thank you for your response!

I made sure I didn't unscrew the screws that hold the distributor (and timing) in place... I just removed the two that hold the cap on- so that should still be okay.

I have no idea what a strong spark looks like compared to a weak spark, but I will check all the plugs for spark in the morning before I take it to a mechanic.And I should clean the MAF too.

How often do 240SXs' that make that "marble in a can" timing chain guidesound have the timing chain skip a gear? Is it a possibility?

thanks for your help, I really appreciate it!!!!!!
Modified by stratmatt777 at 1:51 PM 12/12/2008

[Roger_cha]

well if you can see it spark very tiny very visible to the eye then thats a weak spark if you can see a good and very visible to the eye then its a strong spark and most 240sx timing chain does thats noise unless they replace the timing chain before then it shouldnt thats because the top tensioner is pretty worn out...