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U13 Bluebird & Altima => u13 general tech & queries => Topic started by: csimpson on Sep 28, 2007, 03:10PM

Title: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Sep 28, 2007, 03:10PM
K, so I had some pretty strange problems over the weekend. The car lost power every now and then, and twice stalled and would not start (only being fixed by disconnecting the battery for 5min, then trying again). The car's going in to get serviced on Tuesday, but one thing i noticed was when changing the relays around, one of the relays (blue-topped) for the cooling fan 1 was burnt and blackened. Swapping them around with ASCD, Fuel Pump, and Cornering Lamps got me cooling fans working, and ALSO made my aircon work! (Added bonus, it hasn't been working since i got the car).

Which brings me to the conclusion that at least two of the relays are dead. Anyone know where I can get replacements, and how much they'd be?

Oh, and does anyone know how to fix my car?  :D I get some pretty loud timing chain rattle, and it misfires whenever it feels like it (usually above 2krpm though). Timing chain issue? Distributor issue?

Cheers,

Cam
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: Alister on Sep 28, 2007, 05:38PM
Any auto electrician should have the ones you need in stock.
When I had my U13, I picked up a new relay from my auto elec for $12.
Or you could check Repco?
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: slim on Sep 28, 2007, 09:16PM
Oh, and does anyone know how to fix my car?  :D I get some pretty loud timing chain rattle, and it misfires whenever it feels like it (usually above 2krpm though). Timing chain issue? Distributor issue?

Is the noise coming from the drivers side of the engine?  - thats timing chain rattle
And can it be heard inside the car when the windows and doors and bonnet are shut ?  - if its very audible then you might want to see about getting a new timing chain.
Also what km's are on the car?

Check the spark plugs for correct gaps and leads for correct resistance. found in FSM http://www.antrx.com/smf/index.php?topic=12307.0 (http://www.antrx.com/smf/index.php?topic=12307.0)
or PM me and i can send you the parts required. it seems its not hosted.
whilst your at it check the dizzy cap, should have no oil and clean inside and 4 white markers ( i think not sure)
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: greenbird on Sep 29, 2007, 08:43PM
Oh, and does anyone know how to fix my car?  :D I get some pretty loud timing chain rattle, and it misfires whenever it feels like it (usually above 2krpm though). Timing chain issue? Distributor issue?

Timing chain rattle is normal for the U13 once it has a few 'kays' under the belt. But it doesn't necessarily mean that your chain is stuffed. The solution.... rip out the 2 upper timing chain guides and throw them in the bin. No, i'm not kidding! Do a search, i have posted on this topic a few times before and I think i even put up some pictures (not sure if they will still work??).

With regard to the mis-firing, take your dizzy cap off, undo the 8mm bolt that holds the rotor in and remove the rotor. Take off the black cap that covers the cam position sensor and check inside there for any oil that has made its way in.
My car did exactly what you have described, the mis-firing, loss of power, etc etc. Until it eventually died on the side of the road. After 5 minutes or so it would re-start and drive perfectly normally.
Turns out there was oil in the cam position sensor. I cleaned it out with a can of contact cleaner, drilled a couple of very small drain holes in the bottom of the cam position sensor cover to let any oil in there drain away and I haven't had a single problem since!
Maybe this is your problem, maybe it isn't, but it is definately worth investigating.
Cheers, Dan.
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: slim on Sep 29, 2007, 10:09PM
Timing chain rattle is normal for the U13 once it has a few 'kays' under the belt. But it doesn't necessarily mean that your chain is stuffed. The solution.... rip out the 2 upper timing chain guides and throw them in the bin. No, i'm not kidding! Do a search, i have posted on this topic a few times before and I think i even put up some pictures (not sure if they will still work??).
Cheers, Dan.

This might be the article Dan was speaking about. completely forgot that i had it bookmarked.
Its for the SR engine but does explain the procedure, still should look at the FSM for more detail
http://www.nissanforums.com/sr-series-engines-de-ve/55949-write-up-how-remove-upper-timing-chain-guide.html (http://www.nissanforums.com/sr-series-engines-de-ve/55949-write-up-how-remove-upper-timing-chain-guide.html)

Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: greenbird on Sep 29, 2007, 10:50PM
Here's another thread with all of the details for chain guide removal...
http://www.antrx.com/smf/index.php/topic,2926.0.html

And some pics:
The upper guide that is easy to get to:
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3974/pict1415lx5.jpg)

The front chain guide from underneath the timimg cover:
(http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2680/pict2283ds1.jpg)

The bolt holes where the front chain guide used to live on my car:
(http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6397/pict2284fg8.jpg)

I threw the bolts for the front guide away. I didn't want to put them back, as they don't serve any other purpose than to hold that guide in place. They would just be another risk, if they were to come loose and end up floating around in the timing chain area. That would be ugly for sure!
Hope this all helps, Dan.
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: csimpson on Oct 2, 2007, 09:35AM
But my U13 is an S2  :-[ No guides, AFAIK. I don't mind the rattle though.

And I'll definitely take a look at the distributor, thanks heaps for that info. It's having a minor service done to it today, so I'll look at the dizzy myself when it gets back home to save a few dollars :)

Greenbird - you said you drilled a few holes in the cam position sensor itself?  :-\ I'm not particularly technically-minded, but I think I'll be fine to look at everything. I'll post in here if I have any troubles :)

It'll be nice to have some peace-of-mind once the issue is resolved - I'm driving to Bathurst (3.5hours), Melbourne (~11 hours?) and Surfer's Paradise (~13 hours?) in the next couple of months, so I'd definitely like to know that the car is happy.


P.S I'm liking the new-look forums  ;D

P.P.S My alternator is whining at idle - does this mean it's on its way out, or is there something I can do to keep it going  :)
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: greenbird on Oct 2, 2007, 08:50PM
Greenbird - you said you drilled a few holes in the cam position sensor itself?  :-\ I'm not particularly technically-minded, but I think I'll be fine to look at everything. I'll post in here if I have any troubles :)

Yeah, i drilled a couple of small holes in the bottom of the black plastic cover for the cam position sensor. That way, not oil can accumulate in there and cause trouble....
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: csimpson on Oct 3, 2007, 05:46PM
Hmmm.

When I went to look at the dizzy I noticed that one of the 10mm bolts holding it to the block was shorn off  :o and when I tested the other one, it went as well. So, now my dizzy is held on by a single similar-sized one that I found in my garage. Does anyone know the specs of the bolts that hold the dizzy to the block, and where I might be able to get a couple?

Also, upon taking the dizzy cap off, Greenbird, I couldn't see an 8mm bolt (to get in at the rotor). I have a suspicion that it's an aftermarket replacement dizzy - would this change what to do? Anyway, I didn't manage to open the dizzy up but when I put the replacement 10mm bolt in to secure it to the block, I experimented with the dizzy at varying degrees to see if that would change anything. At one extreme there was audible pinging (marbles-in-a-can sound), and at the other extreme the car felt sluggish.

When driving the car at "the other extreme" (timing retarded, I would assume), it was misfiring and dying as I drove. When driving the car at the first "extreme" (timing advanced) it didn't misfire or stall or die, but it was pinging under any reasonable load. SO, I experimented some more and I think I've found a happy medium, where it doesn't ping (audibly, at least) and it doesn't sputter and stall. If i recall correctly, the dizzy is twisted slightly more to the 'advanced' side than it was this morning (when I first looked at it, and noticed it still misfiring when i drove). Is this a safe thing to do? It has a diet of exclusively 95 octane. Should I maybe take it to an auto-elec/mechanic who can set the timing properly? :)
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: Budgie on Oct 3, 2007, 06:43PM
Are you using a timing light CS?  To test the timing and make sure its within spec as per the KA24DE stock?
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: csimpson on Oct 3, 2007, 06:47PM
No, I don't have a timing light.  :) I'm thinking I may get my mechanic to check the timing, to make sure it's all A-Ok.

Assuming that it was at 20 degrees BTDC stock (which suits 91RON), would it be OK to have it a tiny bit advanced, seeing as I'm running 95RON?
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: Budgie on Oct 3, 2007, 07:20PM
I wouldn't coming into summer... when intake temps will be alot higher than other times of the year.
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: csimpson on Oct 3, 2007, 07:30PM
Righto, I think I might return it to where it was @ stock then. (You can see where it used to be, from oil marks left by the bolt)
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: Jono on Oct 3, 2007, 08:51PM
If you have an oil leak inside your dizzy, pull it apart and replace the seal. It isn't all that hard, just be careful with the cam angle sensor bits, they look rather delicate.
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: slim on Oct 3, 2007, 09:12PM
Jono
I remember when i had my dizzy recon'd that there was a post or a link that showed how to disassemble a dizzy completely.
Also for a recon job i payed $220. not bad considering a tune, timing and warranty thrown in.
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: csimpson on Oct 4, 2007, 04:22PM
OK.

Took the dizzy cap off, took off the 8mm bolt and then rotor, dust cover etc, and i'm at this point:

(http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/7132/img0661lo6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Is the black thing on the right down the bottom the "black cap"cam position sensor cover that Greenbird described?

If so, how do I take it off :p I've sprayed some contact cleaner in between it and the thin metal disc, but I can't seem to get it off. Any tips?
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: greenbird on Oct 4, 2007, 05:35PM
Is the black thing on the right down the bottom the "black cap"cam position sensor cover that Greenbird described?
That's as far as you need to go mate!
The large black cover that you took off to expose the cam position wheel is the one i was talking about.
The black thing at the 4 'o clock position that you are talking about is the actual cam position sensor.
Looks nice and clean in there.... Which is good!
Was there any oil in there before you went nuts with the contact cleaner?
Dan.
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: csimpson on Oct 4, 2007, 08:15PM
Yeah, there was quite a bit, actually. Cleaned out now, started it, and it's running like a dream, no misfiring all the way to redline (when free-revving). Only got the chance to take it to 4000rpm while i was testdriving - will give it the full stick tomorrow and see if it blows up on me :)
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: slim on Oct 4, 2007, 08:51PM
csimpson have a look at this.
http://www.antrx.com/smf/index.php/topic,12339.0.html (http://www.antrx.com/smf/index.php/topic,12339.0.html) or direct
http://tiger.towson.edu/~hzaidi1/distributor.htm (http://tiger.towson.edu/~hzaidi1/distributor.htm)

Check inside the cap after a week and see how much oil has built up.
The seal in the last few pics is the reason why the oil leaks through.
As yours seems to run it just might require regular maintenance through out the rest of its life until it dies.
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: greenbird on Oct 4, 2007, 08:57PM
Hahaha.
I'm sure it will be fine. Good to hear that you were able to clean it out.
Hopefully your car will be running better now.
As Slim has suggested, Just make it a part of your regular maintenence schedule to open up and clean out the dizzy....
Dan.
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: csimpson on Oct 4, 2007, 10:11PM
Given that my timing's probably out slightly - how much would it cost to take it to a mechanic and get it adjusted?
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: greenbird on Oct 4, 2007, 10:35PM
It would be not much more than to go out and buy your own timing light and do it yourself..... And you will then own the light to check the timing again in the future!
A timing light will probably cost you between $30 and $50.
To pay someone to adjust the timing really shouldn't cost you any more than $20. It takes less than 5 minutes....
Dan.
Title: Re: Car issues; Which relays to buy?
Post by: csimpson on Oct 4, 2007, 11:03PM
Guess I might buy a timing light then :)

I'll do it after I get home from Bathurst. Anyone know where I might be able to get one?

And expect a thread from me soon "WTF, how do i do this?"  :D
Title: WTF ?? Help me !!
Post by: slim on Oct 4, 2007, 11:23PM
Actually someone should do a write up for the wiki section on how to do the timing on your car.
i would but have uni deadlines

change the thread title on this one to WTF ?? Help me !!
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: greenbird on Oct 5, 2007, 07:45AM
Simple. The moderators can move this into another article if they wish.

1. Get the car up to normal operating temp by taking it for a drive, then turn it off.
2. Electrically disconnect the throttle position sensor at the loom.
3. Connect your timing light to the battery and then place the clamp over #1 spark plug lead, as close as possible to the spark plug.
4. Start the car and use the throttle to hold the engine at 3000rpm or so for a few seconds. Slowly let the revs drop down to idle. The car will idle lower than usual and seem a little rough whilst the throttle position sensor is disconnected. This is normal.
5. Aim your timing light down the front of the engine (next to the right hand strut tower) and look for the timing mark on the alloy timing case next to the harmonic balancer. There will also be a series of timing marks on the edge of the harmonic balancer. As the timing light flashes, you should see the mark on the timing case line up in front of the series of marks on the harmonic balancer. It can be awkward to get the timing light into a position where it lights up the timing marks, but keep trying at different angles and you will work out a way that suits you. It can be done.
6. Whilst pointing the flashing timing light at the timing marks, check where the harmonic balancer mark is lining up, compared to the timing case marks. On the harmonic balancer, there is one big orange mark which indicates 0 degrees BTDC (Before Top Dead Centre). There is a single white mark to one side indicating -5 deg BTDC and a series of white marks to the other side indicating 5 deg, 10 deg, 15 deg, 20 deg and so on.
7. Slightly undo the 10mm bolts that hold the distributor in position and SLOWLY rotate the dizzy until you get the 20 degree timing mark on the harmonic balancer to line up with the mark on the timing case.
8. Re-tighten the dizzy bolts and then re-check that the timing is still on 20 degrees.
9. If all is good, turn off your engine and re-connect the throttle position sensor.

Done!

Hope this helps.
Dan.
Title: Woo!
Post by: csimpson on Oct 7, 2007, 12:15PM
Well, I drove to Bathurst this weekend to see my girlfriend (who is working for CH7 on the V8s). Got 3/4s of the way to Bathurst, and the dizzy died again - more oil. Cleaned it out, got to Bathurst, had a good time, drove home this morning (trying to get my car back without having to rip the dizzy apart again).

So I'm back home, but the dizzy is oiled up again.

Does anyone know the part number of the oil seal that I have to get?
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: Jono on Oct 7, 2007, 12:56PM
Pull it out and take it to a bearing place, they'll be able to match it up with something off the shelf.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 7, 2007, 07:15PM
My brother's going to get a new oil seal from Nee-san tomorrow, as well as a new dizzy cap, rotor, spark plugs and a timing light  :D  I can handle catching the bus for a day or two if it means my car will be fixed :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 12, 2007, 08:08PM
So, in the end I bit the bullet and took it to my local mechanic, to get it out of my hair.

$123 later, and the distributor has all new seals and the timing's been set.

I am now happy. :D
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: greenbird on Oct 13, 2007, 03:11PM
Good work mate!
To help everyone else out, would you please be able to post up the part number for the distributor oil seal and tell us where you got it from. If you got it through Nissan, the part number will be on the receipt.....
And also, do you know the price of the seal on its own?
Thanks, Dan.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: slim on Oct 13, 2007, 04:47PM
So, in the end I bit the bullet and took it to my local mechanic, to get it out of my hair.

$123 later, and the distributor has all new seals and the timing's been set.

I am now happy. :D

Just realised i payed $150 more for the same service. + a tune, ECU reset and inspection/service of ignition system
Still i would go back there again, there a bloody great shop.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: Jono on Oct 14, 2007, 03:50AM
I took the seal and bearing in to CBC bearings and walked out with new ones for $7.50 total. May or may not have been trade price, dad did most of the talking while I browsed the shop.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: greenbird on Oct 14, 2007, 08:28AM
Nice! At least you don't have to go to Nissan to get them then.
Cheers Jono.
Dan.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 14, 2007, 10:03PM
Fucking hell.

It happened again on the way to a mate's house this weekend - stuttered, lost power, died. Started fine 5min later and I haven't had a problem since.

I don't know what else to do, I'm at the end of my tether. I'll run a tank of 98 octane this week, I'll get new spark plug leads. New plugs are already in there.

Help meeeeee! :( :( :( :(
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: Jono on Oct 15, 2007, 12:21AM
Fuel pump?

Next time it dies, whack something up against the fuel tank and see if it starts.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 15, 2007, 10:06AM
Shouldn't be the fuel pump, it's got a Walbro one in there, only a few months old. :(
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: greenbird on Oct 15, 2007, 06:42PM
Check the power transistor. It's the little grey thing that is bolted to the top of the metal framework right next to your air box. It has a plug on it which can be disconnected and has 3 (i think....) wires going into it.
As a bit of trouble shooting, remove the transistor, clean underneath it and then screw it back down with some heat sink compound underneath, to help it keep cool..... Clean the electrical contacts with some contact cleaner also.....
Dan.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 15, 2007, 07:51PM
I'll do that.

In the dizzy cap, the #4cyl and ignition sockets are very dirty. Could this be causing problems? (Dirty as in, sooty [i think]).

I think to help eliminate problems I may get new spark plug leads and a new dizzy cap.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: greenbird on Oct 15, 2007, 09:38PM
Yep, it can't hurt.
When i bought a new dizzy cap & rotor, the only place i could get them from was Nissan. No aftermarket mobs made them, so you may be stuck with going to Nissan.
I recommend that you replace the rotor at the same time.

A word of warning on aftermarket ignition leads:
I bought a brand new set Bosch leads and put them on the car. They had a little rubber seal on the bottom of the lead, which just fits down the spark plug hole (quite a firm fit) and over the top of the plug. After only a month or 2, i couldn't get the leads off. It turns out that these little rubber seals had caked themselves onto the edges of the spark plug holes and basically glued themselves in there. The result was that when the mechanics went to take the head off my car after the head gasket blew, the leads broke and ripped in half as they tried to remove them. They were stuck in that tight!
Luckily enough I took them back to where I bought them and the Bosch rep was kind enough to replace them for me, as it really was a shitty design on their part. So on the new leads, i immediately ripped off the rubber seals on the bottom (they were just glued on). Now the leads can't get stuck and i haven't had any drama's with them in the last 3 or 4 years, however long it has been....
Dan.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 18, 2007, 05:45PM
Hmmmn.

New rotor button from Nee-san - $27.15 (didn't get a new cap though, and the guy said they were ~$60), and a good clean-out of the dizzy cap sockets with contact cleaner & WD40. Car seems to run great now. I'll see how it goes over the weekend, got a 1.5hr drive on which I can baby it and cane it to see if it falters :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 24, 2007, 10:49AM
 :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

Happened again!

FFS.

Time to get new dizzy cap and leads, methinks.

Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: Budgie on Oct 24, 2007, 06:18PM
Damn U13's and their ignition systems!
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 26, 2007, 01:59PM
Damn them indeed. I seriously have no clue as to what it would be. Should I get a new dizzy cap and spark plug leads? Or should I just let the mechanic sort it out (it's booked for Tuesday) I'm very much over this, and I don't mind throwing money at it to make it go away :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: greenbird on Oct 26, 2007, 09:54PM
Replace the dizzy cap and spark plug leads first.....
Did you check / clean the power transistor like i said to? This can also fail, it will usually happen after the transistor gets too hot... So it generally won't fail until you have been driving for a while.

Does your car stop dead shortly after starting it in the morning, or only after it has been running for a while?

Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 26, 2007, 10:04PM
Aight, I'll get a dizzy cap and leads tomorrow.

If the transistor is the three-pin plug thing that sits on the metal bracket right next to the airbox - yeah, I took it off and put some thermal compound between it and the bracket.

There's no consistency to it. Sometimes it stops after an hour of driving, sometimes it stops after 500m of sedate driving, sometimes it just doesn't start. :(
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: greenbird on Oct 26, 2007, 10:59PM
Yeah, that sucks... Makes it hard to fault find.
Have you checked the ECU for any fault codes? The Factory Service Manual will tell you how to do it....
Dan.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 26, 2007, 11:43PM
That, I haven't done. I wasn't aware there was a way to check it without an OBD reader. I'll see what there is...

If, say, the leads and 'cap aren't the problem, what else could theoretically cause this? Is the power transistor a reasonably likely culprit? Alternator? Battery? Driver?  :D
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 26, 2007, 11:54PM
Hmm, can't find any way to get it into Diag mode, in the FSM. Anyone know off the top of their head? :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: wicked on Oct 27, 2007, 12:07AM
Are you in Brisbane?
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 27, 2007, 12:12AM
Nah, stupid ol' Sydney :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: slim on Oct 27, 2007, 12:20AM
Hmm, can't find any way to get it into Diag mode, in the FSM. Anyone know off the top of their head? :)

Some pages that might be of help.
EC-34 has Erasing Diagnostic Trouble Code
EC-36 Switching Diagnostic modes
If not see if someone in Sydney can give you a hand with the Consult
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: wicked on Oct 27, 2007, 12:27PM
Pretty much like what Slim said. I've sent you a copy of the FSM (EC) I'm using to your gmail. Look at page 172. The ECU is located between the driver and passenger footwell. You'll need a small flat head screw driver and basically follow the instructions in the manual to read the blinks on the dash. Try to follow the symptoms through the whole diagnostic document. It'll save you a heaps of money than changing parts randomly. :) Electronics in car can be a real pain. I last time I had idling and misfiring problems, I took it to Nissan for diagnostics and it cost me $99 and the problem was not solved. I had to do the diagnostics myself. Do update your progress. :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 27, 2007, 01:36PM
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I'll do that, definitely. I'll also check the leads for proper resistance, too - Alister said to me on another forum that he thought they were probably the culprit :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: wicked on Oct 27, 2007, 05:28PM
There was an occasion where I fix my bluey misfiring by pressing the top, centre bit of the spark plug cable firmly onto the sparkplug. U never know. :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 27, 2007, 07:19PM
O hay, so, when my car is running, the lead that runs from the coil (?) to the ignition socket of the dizzy cap, gives me a massive zap if I touch it.

Taking that plug off (the shortest one of the five, if you still don't know which I mean), you can see that there's a hole in the rubber coating up the top (more of a tear, but you can see it if you manipulate the rubber).

I believe this might be the cause of all my problems - what does everyone else think?
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: JelloBello on Oct 27, 2007, 07:43PM
If you weren't touching a metal part of the lead and you got a zap I would be very worried! This means that the bit you were touching could be grounding out on any metal part of the engine/chasis while in motion and causing all your problems!


and holy cow, I'm pretty sure ignition coils run very high voltage = ouchies
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 28, 2007, 06:33PM
So, I've established that it's probably good to get a new ignition lead.

FURTHER to all this, my fkn alternator has died (I think.) When the car is running and the headlights/blinkers/hi-beams are on, the battery light stays on. :( :( :( :( :( One of those battery-test things says that the battery is above 10V, but it doesn't say that the alternator is 'good', or that the battery is 'fully charged'.

Anyone know where and how much for a replacement alternator? (New is probably unneccessary, reco or second hand would be good). Can we use the same alternator as SR20DE Pulsars?
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 28, 2007, 06:36PM
Or do I just need a new battery?  ??? I have a spare battery here, I'll see what happens when using it.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: Jono on Oct 30, 2007, 11:08PM
That coil lead could well be the problem. Sometimes the spark finds another track to ground through dust and all sorts of other gunk that's built up on your ignition system. Replace the lead and see if it fixes it, even if it doesn't fix it the lead needed replacing anyway :)

I haven't been hit by a car ignition coil yet (touch wood) but I have literally seen stars after being zapped by the spark plug on a motorbike. Not pleasant!

And to answer your question, if your battery warning light is on, there is a problem with your charging system. Usually not your battery. If it's on intermittently it could well be a broken wire in your wiring loom.
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: csimpson on Oct 31, 2007, 05:29PM
Alrighty.

Alternator's now at an auto-elec being reconditioned, and the ignition lead's probably going to be replaced  :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: Budgie on Jan 4, 2011, 09:39AM
Bloody U13's!!

Looking through this thread, to my MUCH earlier posts before I had a U13 with a KA24DE, is a bit strange considering I just had the same issue of my Bluebird cutting out on the highway for no apparent reason!

Read through this thread, opened up the distributor and what do you know, shitloads of oil!! Off to buy some contact cleaner/degreaser now and then drill a hole in the bottom of the cap so the oil can escape.

Stupid friggin U13 distributors!!
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: Jono on Jan 4, 2011, 07:25PM
Replace the seal ya lazy bastard! :)
Title: Re: Distributor problems (soon to be "WTF, how do I fix the timing???" :) )
Post by: BuuBox on Jan 19, 2011, 08:21PM
I had the same issue recently. Ended up cleaning the distributor out with petrol in a trigger spray bottle and then drilling a hole in the bottom so the oil runs out. Worked well. Replacing the internal seal isn't the most straightforward exercise in the world...

I actually sourced a near new non-genuine replacement from the wreckers for $35 (distributor, cap and leads) but haven't bothered changing it as my gearbox needs work.