1993 240sx Starting Problem

[high flya]

I had swapped the battery, distributor, cap, rotor and wires, but it hasn't been started for a year (long story). It started on the first try, but it idled a bit low (~650 rpm), and sounded odd. There was a strong smell of unburned fuel in the exhaust, and when I tapped the accelerator a little, the engine faltered, as if it was about to stall. I let it idle for about a minute.

I figured the tinming was a bit off, so I shut it off to adjust the position of the distributor. But when I try to start it again, the motor wouldn't fire, regardless of the distributor position.

What sort of issues might I be looking at? Thanks in advance.

[Bwana]

Check your plugs to see what kind of shape they're in, they could probably use replaced too. It could also be a fuel issue.

[high flya]

I've installed some new NGK G-powers, a new fuel filter, and siphoned out the tank (as best as I could anyways), and replaced it with some new Shell V-power. Checked the wires' resistance, and made sure all the wires were getting power with an old plug.

Still won't start, the best I got was a few seconds of sputtering. Does it matter if the valve cover breather tube is cracked?
Modified by high flya at 2:59 PM 5/30/2007

[rogoman]

I figured the tinming was a bit off, so I shut it off to adjust the position of the distributor. But when I try to start it again, the motor wouldn't fire, regardless of the distributor position.

Since the motor ran before you adjusted the position of the distributor, the ignition timing may be way off or maybe the crank angle sensor harness connector may have been disturbed.

How did you adjust the distributor?

You should always use a timing light when adjusting the timing.

[high flya]

I just loosened the two bolts and turned the distributor/CAS forward and back. Having no luck, I pulled the whole thing out, cranked the engine to TDC again, and reinstalled the whole thing just to make sure.

I'll check the harness connector again.

[high flya]

It's all good now! Runs Like a champ! Turns out the crank angle sensor was crap, swapped it out and started on the first crank. THANKS VERY MUCH ALL FOR THE HELP.

[Bwana]

Glad you got it sorted out!