Cranks, no start nightmare

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 1:02 pm

Ahh yes, forgot about the head removal.

And yeah, on an NB8A the process is pretty much identical to an NA, only difference is the CAS needs to be removed first, but that's a single bolt so takes all of 30 seconds.

can't remember the tooth count, but the cam gears have timing marks on them so should be a matter of winding the crank to TDC and seeing if the cam marks are aligned (there's a few marks, so you'll need to check which is the timing one)

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 1:08 pm

Todd B wrote:When I hand crank the engine I can hear the injectors pulse.
I've checked the cam sensor... it checks out fine.
I've confirmed that the cam sensor has power

Noting above, if possible would still be inclined to borrow a known good cam position sensor to check based on the experiences in this:
viewtopic.php?f=29&t=65357

Also, not knowing if everything is OEM & as it was from the factory, but assuming you didn't detach cam wheels from the cams, or fit adjustable cam wheels, as there have been past issues with stainless steel triggers versus mild steel:
http://www.mx5cartalk.com/forum/search. ... mit=Search

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 1:11 pm

I know all about CAS issues

As for others confirm that everything has been installed correctly, especially the cam gears.

Todd B · Postby **Todd B** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 8:10 pm

Thanks for all the replies. Much appreciated!

I took the valve cover off, and the timing looks fine to me. The cams were removed as part of the head reconditioning, and so the gears were as well. But I do have a shop manual for the car, and everything does look right. But take a look and see if you see something terribly wrong.

I've also got a picture of the crank sensor... do you agree that it is installed in the correct position? I know you can see if the gap is right, but I don't have it upside down or anything, right?

Todd B · Postby **Todd B** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 8:12 pm

I'll also add that everything is stock. No mods on this car... well, no mechanical mods.

Todd B · Postby **Todd B** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 8:21 pm

I also see a common theme of cam sensor... does anybody have one laying around I can borrow? I'll gladly pay shipping or come pick it up if you are in the Sydney area.

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 9:03 pm

Try a cable tie on the CAS plug first, that is to pull the plug in tight.

There are quite a few different part numbers you can use. MX5 Mania should have some in stock.

http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=860076#p860076

Postby **Okibi** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 9:09 pm

How much distance have you got between your crank angle sensor and the little nubs behind the crank pulley?

Todd B · Postby **Todd B** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 9:28 pm

Currently I have the thickness of one credit card for the crank sensor and the nubs. I had it at two credit cards, but have since moved it in.

Postby **Okibi** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 10:08 pm

Ok if still no spark, have you double checked the fuses inside the car and under the bonnet?

Also wondering if it's an alarm issue.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 10:24 pm

It's been mentioned 2 or 3 times already on this thread. The most common reason for an NB not to fire after a rebuild is putting the timing plate behind the crank pulley on backwards. Have you tried turning it yet?

Todd B · Postby **Todd B** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 10:46 pm

Yes, I have double checked the fuses and have disabled the alarm. I was thinking likewise too.

I haven't done anything with the timing plate yet, but that is going to be next on my to do list. I came across that idea when I was searching around on this as well. I can't figure out how it would have got on backwards, but at this point I've got to double check it. However, is there a picture somewhere of what it should look like? I've seen people warn of it being backwards, but at this point I haven't been able to figure out what that looks like.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 11:19 pm

Mostly you just take it off and look at it closely. There's often enough in the way of old marks and wear patches to show which way around it was originally.

Postby **Okibi** » Thu Mar 10, 2016 11:26 pm

X-Ray Rich wrote:This is the Crank Trigger Wheel.
It is behind the Crank Pulley.
The "Bowl" like depression has to be toward the the Engine.
Otherwise, the Engine will Spit & Sputter, but won't Start and Idle.
An easy thing to overlook at install, if this is your First time.
I did it too.

Todd B · Postby **Todd B** » Fri Mar 11, 2016 8:58 pm

So is this plate bolted on to the crank pulley? I just don't recall it ever being separate from the crank pulley... and therefore don't know how it could be on backwards. Plus when I installed the crank sensor and set the gap, the nubs lined up with the sensor. I could even hear the injectors working as I manually cranked the engine. Isn't that a sign that the plate isn't in backwards?

As for the cam sensor, I think what I'm going to do is take mine off, and ask my neighbor if I can put it in his car. If his car won't start, then I know mine is bad.