Essex V6 distributor, I need one!

[hallsie]

Has anyone got an Essex V6 distributor knocking about?

Ive had a minor problem with the Taimar and she stopped on me early Saturday morning following a loud crack similar to s seized bolt snapping off, and from initial investigations it appears that the dizzy isn't turning when I turn the crank, but as I tried to pull the distributor out it kinda broke.

So, even if it turns out that the dizzy wasn't the problem, then I will still need a replacement!

Beer tokens waiting!

Thanks

Stu

[hallsie]

ausi steve said:

Apart from the dist problem you broke, the fact that the dist did not turn when you rotated the crankshaft may mean that you have a broken cam gear. If it is a broken cam gear fit an alloy gear.Do not worry about the noise from a metal gear, it is hardly noticeable above the other car noises. I had a similar problem a few months ago.

Thanks Steve

I haven't had time to investigate further, but will report back as soon as I know.

The engine is brand new (rebuilt) only 1500 miles ago with new FIBRE timing gears and the original dizzy, so Im hoping its the weakest link........the dizzy

Stu

[hallsie]

ausi steve said:

Apart from the dist problem you broke, the fact that the dist did not turn when you rotated the crankshaft may mean that you have a broken cam gear. If it is a broken cam gear fit an alloy gear.Do not worry about the noise from a metal gear, it is hardly noticeable above the other car noises. I had a similar problem a few months ago.

And the prize for being annoyingly correct goes to Steve!





Oh dear!

[hallsie]

prideaux said:

I have some araldite you can use when you pick up the distributer mate
I would kind of like to know why this happened Stu ?
A

Me too, it was a brand new out of the packet gear, built by a very talented and respected engine builder.

The next question that I don't want to ask is 'are the valves all bent?'

but im thinking I don't want the answer, you never know, I may need to post very soon in your 'non OE engine' thread!

[hallsie]

plasticpig72 said:

i hope there is not too much damage. I am sure glad my V6 has a metal timing gear from Burtons.
Is there an easy way to see what timing gear has been fitted

take the mechanical fuel pump out and stick a magnet on the teeth, sticky = steel, non sticky = toffee

[hallsie]

Well, as an round up to this little problem:-

The PLASTIC gear on the cam had obliterated as per the previous photos.

It appears that a patent part had been fitted and had let go.

A new Ford timing gear (not metal) was fitted, and yes I know you are all going to say 'you should have fitted a metal one' but its my car and Ill do as I wish,
So, I started compression testing as I went and number 4 pot was down at 65.
I continued stripped further to investigate, and rocker covers off revealed a banana style push rod stuck in place, (all others pots sowed 165-170.)

I inspected all the other push rods and most showed signs of a bendy nature.

after removal of said bananas and inspection of the top end with a boreoscope, it appeared that there was no further damage.
Next, all of the push rods were replaced with shiny new ones, and the tappets were set 3, yes 3 times!

following this, everything was put back on, sump cleaned and refitted etc etc and new oil in.

Then, following a very kind fella called Phil giving me a distributor for free, the car started FIRST TIME.

for completion, I took the car to a place called B D Engineering in Gillingham, and he spent 3 hours tuning and adjusting everything, and set up the car perfectly on the rolling road.

She is now running like a new car once again.

Im pleased as punch!!

Stu

Edited the Fibre to Plastic gear. still not metal.

Edited by hallsie on Sunday 14th December 11:50