Strange Starting Issue

[LegioCorpus]

Okay, there has been previous issues with this 1999 Pathfinder, but those issues have been corrected. However, a new issue has arisen. After replacing the distributor assembly during the previous problems, it was learned that the manufacturer did not properly secure the set screw in the rotor. The set screw was properly set after the rotor was properly reset, but then the car would randomly fail to start with a P0340 code. The distributor was again replaced under warranty, but again randomly failed to start. After realigning the distributor (it was one tooth off) it was noted that on occasion the engine would crank but failed to start. However often times a second cranking will start the engine. When this trick does not work, then rapidly moving the distributor back and forth during cranking this action will assist in starting the engine. Especially when the distributor impacts its maximum swing toward the back. Any ideas of the cause? This is very perplexing.

[rgk]

First, why did you replace the distributor?

Second, did you also replace the cap, wires, and rotor?

Third, was the set screw misaligned in the rotor, or in the distributor?

Fourth, do you move the distributor back and forth, or the cap?