Hi everybody,
hope someone can help me with my problem.
In October 2025, I took the last ride of the season. Suddenly, the car died at walking speed. No sputtering or stuttering, no warning. It just shut off, as if the ignition key had been pulled out. There was no way to restart it. The starter motor turned, there were no unusual mechanical issues or noises. I then towed the car home.
The following points were checked:
- Fuel: present, also in den carburetor
- Spark: present but weak
- Carburetor: no issues
- Other mechanical issues: none to see, nothing to hear
- Distributor: still in the marked position (not rotated)
The following work was carried out:
- Distributor: points replaced
- Ignition coil: replaced
- Spark: now present and strong
- Starter: replaced (turns like a dream). The old one was a bit weak.
Result: Won't start
Here's what we found (many thanks to David/Prowbar here from the GMC forum
):
- Engine set to 1 TDC, valve cover removed, both valve springs on cylinder 1 are relaxed. Valves closed.
- Distributor cap removed. Distributor rotor points to cylinder 6 and not cylinder 1 (see photo). Engine turned 10° by hand. Spark on cylinder 6.
- Distributor pulled out: no abnormalities except that the vacuum mechanism isn't working. It's extremely stiff.
My question: I'm able to install the distributor so that it points to cylinder 1 and try to start it. Is that a good idea?
I'd like to know why the distributor position is incorrect.
At first, I thought the crankshaft and camshaft were misaligned, but both valves close at 1 TDC.
The timing chain was replaced during the restoration (200 km ago). Could the woodruff keys have sheared off? I think you'd hear that, and the valve position would be off.
Maybe you have a suggestion for me. I'm at my wit's end.
Many greetings
Tom
