Ok so I had some firing issues meaning no fire at all. Had a PO340 code. I did every test you can imagine to CPS,PCM,check relays, Changed crank postion sensor and checked ignition coil. All checked out fine. So I got to thinking if it is giving me a error code that suggest it is not reading the camshaft postion is the camshaft even turning???

Well my guess was right and I had a broken camshaft sprocker and timing chain. (See pic.) So, I followed the instructions in the Chiltons and the Haynes manual and lined up sprocket marks at 12 and 6 with the No. 1 cylinder at TDC.

I read that the distributer needs to be pointing at the No. 1 cyliner by lining up with the mark on the Camshaft sensor. So I pulled my distributer cap. It was pointin at the Number 6 cylinder.

I Understand the Camshaft spins half the revolution as the Crankshaft and with it pointing at No. 6 that is a 180 degrees. So I thought maybe that since I did not mess with the distributer that the camshaft might be at the point in the revolution. I tried to start it. It started but was not pretty.

Now my question. Should the rotor button be at #1 regarless with the enginge at TDC? Can I turn this rotor button without removing the distributer? Or are there any suggestion or better explanation for my woes?

It is a 5.2 V8 in a 1998 dodge dakota

 

Unholy hell how did you manage to break that?

 

How did you break that? All you did was fix a leak on the timing cover gasket. How did this happen?

I'd be pulling the pan.

Is the camshaft bent? Where you mount the gear to? That chains pretty tough and it should take a lot of force to break the gear.

As to the rotor, STOP. You can't just turn the rotor. The gear on the distributor meshes with the camshaft.

BUT - think about your firing order. 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Do you notice that 6 is 1/2 way through the order? Remember, the piston reaches top twice per revolution of the cam (and distributor). You'll need to pull a valve cover to see if the valves are closed (they aren't I can tell you already).

The rotor is timed correctly.

In case it isn't clear, #6 is at TDC and should have the valves closed as it's on the power stroke having just fired. #1 the piston is also at TDC on the exhaust stroke.

 

this may not fit here, but here is some info that i found out. i had a 77 dodge 318, when i put the timming chain on. with the marks on the gears lined up, the rotor was on #6. note the book doesnt say that the rotor points to #1 when the gears marks are lined up. they are two different things.

 

It fits perfect Moe.

If you turned the crankshaft over just one revolution, the rotor would point to #1.

 

when doing a cam gear just make the dots line up, and your done. yep i have been around the block once or twice.

 

I really have no idea how it happened. All i did was change gasket and put back together. I marked every bolt and what they went to and where they went exactly. It has been in the garage while doing this so I never drove anywhere. When I tried to start I got nothing heard nothing break or anything. I did not even touch the timing chain when I had the cover off. So no idea. I noticed 00DakDan suggest taking the valve cover off. and suggest that my valves will not be at top. Can I ask why you are concerned they will not be when I have the engine at TDC?

 

just my opinion, the america V engines have a weakness in the timing chains. i dont understand your last Q.

 

When #1 is at TDC so is #6. You saw the rotor pointing at #6. If the valves on cylinder #6 were closed, the rotor is pointing correctly as #6 was ready to fire.

If you turn the engine over 1 turn, the rotor would point to #1 and the valves on #1 would be closed.

There was nothing wrong with how the rotor was pointing. That's all I'm saying.

 

i think you understand how it works. just remember the cam turns at half the crank speed. an otherway to say it. pistion #1 and #6 got to TDC at the same time, EVERY TIME. but they trade off firing, ie each one skips fireing. or only one fires each TDC. i hope i didnt make harder to understand. NEW subject. check the disturber cap, if it has a vent hole, between the center post and a outer post. plug the vent with JB-weld. to keep moisture out. just trust me.