8N issues, distributor isn't turning @ startup

JRDII · Aug 11, 2010

Thought I had a distributor problem as I wasn't getting fire to the plugs & I had voltage to the distributor and no ground issues. The rotor does not spin at start attempt, will not spin by putting pressure on it either. Just before pullingthe distributor, I decided to pull the #1 plug and set piston at top center by feeling the blow. Problem is I don't feel anything blowing out, #4 is good. Where do I start tinkering to figure out if this is one problem with the crankcase/cam & their gears or multiple problems with them and the pistons/valves? Or something else? Help greatly appreciated!!!!!

Bob · Aug 11, 2010

8N's were made in 2 versions... front-mount distributor and side-mount distributor.

Figure out which you have and post back.

For best results, take this over to the "N"-specific Board of this site.
N board

souNdguy · Aug 11, 2010

ditto what bob said.

so far you are describing a broke cam.. not good!

soundguy

36 Coupe · Aug 11, 2010

Timing gear has lost some teeth/

sotxbill · Aug 11, 2010

valves are stuck/rusted open.. this is common..

dist has broken roll pin due to being froze up..

or broken cam shaft as said..

you might have to pull the head and see if its not a roll pin on the distribitor gear.

JRDII · Aug 12, 2010

This is a late model 8N, side distributor.
Looked at crank pully while turning over engine with starter, it is moving so the problem seems to be entirely camshaft related.
It looks like I could pull the timing gear cover to inspect and confirm whether the camshaft gear is the issue.....will the crankshaft pully slide forward enough to allow this without pulling the entire front end? Will have to take hood & radiator off to do the work I suppose, maybe pull distributor as well?

souNdguy · Aug 12, 2010

yep.. wonder if he had the governor off?

soundguy

JRDII · Aug 12, 2010

Governor was on

Will first try to remove timing cover to look at what the cam gear is doing/not doing.
Looking at parts the cam gear is easily avialable BUT made of at least three different materials at reasonably similar costs. They are made from some sort of Bakelite originally I hear and are available as: "silent fiber gear" aluminum, and steel. Apparently the originals were quieter than metal. Not a concern of mine BUT I"d rather not replace a crankshaft gear that is pressed on, bolt on would be easier so I am leaning toward the Aluminum made, not sure I like the sound of "...fiber gear" and the steel might be too much for the original crank gear. Thoughts or experience?? Hope to tear into her this weekend.

JRDII · Aug 12, 2010

Governor was on

Will first try to remove timing cover to look at what the cam gear is doing/not doing.
Looking at parts the cam gear is easily avialable BUT made of at least three different materials at reasonably similar costs. They are made from some sort of Bakelite originally I hear and are available as: "silent fiber gear" aluminum, and steel. Apparently the originals were quieter than metal. Not a concern of mine BUT I"d rather not replace a crankshaft gear that is pressed on, bolt on would be easier so I am leaning toward the Aluminum made, not sure I like the sound of "...fiber gear" and the steel might be too much for the original crank gear. Thoughts or experience?? Hope to tear into her this weekend.

8N issues, distributor isn't turning @ startup

JRDII

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Bob

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souNdguy

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36 Coupe

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sotxbill

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JRDII

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souNdguy

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JRDII

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JRDII

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