Ignition Issue on 1991 240 sx

[River Randy]

I have recently acquired a 1991 240sx with a siezed engine. After pulling the engine down, and replacing the crank, berrings, a connecting rod, and the rings, I have reasembled it. My issue is however I get no spark from the coil at all. I have checked all of the readings I can, and the only thing I do not get perfect readings on is the "Cam Sensor". As I read it, 2 of the connectors require a fluctuation between 0-5 volt, and I get that reading on just one set of connections. My local Nissan Dealer tells me the cam sensor is not replaceable, and I must replace the entire distributor. Are ther any other posibilities. :help

[NISTECH]

nope thats the most likely cause .. I have heard of them being rebuilt ..you might wanna check around. you could do a basic check on it your self..if you remove the cap and rotor..there is a plate covering the sensor..usually gold in color.. its held in with 2 screws you could check the pick-up wheel for debris in the slots. this could cause a lack of spark prob especially if the tdc slot is covered. if you check it once you get the cover off try not to disassemble it beyond that. you could damage some of the parts quite easily

[River Randy]

Thanks.You don't know if any one rebuilds these distributors, do you?

[NISTECH]

i dont know of any specific places that do. only heard it has been done. the most common thing i see with those type of cam sensors is oil getting on the pickup wheel. I have been able to get those working again by simply removing the cover as mentioned above and spraying them out with brake/parts cleaner. how long it will work after that is unknown due to the oil leak is still present and will most likely have the problem return. i just do the cleaning to verify that is in fact my problem. after that my customer usually buys a new distributor (at about 600 bucks) to permanently fix the prob.

[River Randy]

I have replaced the distributor, and still no spark. Is it possible i screwed up something in the timing chain alignment? I followed the set up very closely, but that was one of the areas I have little experience. I have a hard time beliving that I have no spark. Where might I find a good diognostic manual? I am not impressed with Hayes or Chiltons.

[U12 2NR]

remove the distributor cap and crank the engine..ensure that the rotor is spinning. Being that you're not getting fire from the coil I wouldn't mess with the distributor, just see what's wrong with the coil.

the best manual you can get is a factory service manual. buy one through a dealer or look on ebay, you can find some there sometimes.

[NISTECH]

the ignighter signal is sent from the cam sensor to the ecm and the ecm sends the signal to the coil to fire it. if the signal is still not being sent from the cam sensor. you may want to check your source to the cam sensor. does it have power and ground to it to operate.