[89LXVert2.3L]

Ok, my timing belt snapped, so I replaced it. Now it wont start at all. I reset the timing and everything is where it needs to be. So dont say you need to check where the TDC is or anything like that. I changed my plugs also. I thought that might have been the problem, but not. I thought that maybe my timing was 180 degrees out.... isnt that either. Nothing wrong with my starter, cap or rotor or wires. I just dont know what else to do. Ive been working on it for 3 weekends now. Every weekend I take the belts off, put them back on again, check the position of that spark plug wires , also making sure that the rotor is in the number 1 position, and still nothing. Im getting spark and getting fuel. It just cranks and thats about it. Does anyone hve any idea whats wrong? I know it has something to do with the timing, but I cant figure it out. Please Help!!!

[krk105]

Look for a sensor that is unplugged, or bad. Did you touch the Crankcase position sensor when you changed the belt?

[89LXVert2.3L]

not sure if i touched any sensors by accident or anything, but i didnt disconnect anything. where is that sensor located?

[krk105]

Its the crankshaft (CKP) sensor. It mounts behind the crankshaft pulley

[ethangsmith]

An 89 won't have the crankshaft position sensor, so don't worry about that. Those were 91-93 only. I had the same issue you are having when I put a new timing belt and distributor on my Capri. I re-checked everything about a hundred times. I figured out though, that at each attempt I only would have 2 of the 3 things in time (crank, distributor, or cam). Once you have the crank and cam in time for 100% sure, then pop the distributor cap off and check your rotor position. Rotate the engine over 4 or 5 times and check it all again. The belt slipping or taking up its slack can throw stuff off and cause nightmares. Took me about 4 hours, but once I figured out what was up, I got it running right real quick.

[evintho]

Cam timing is critical to our little 2.3's! Your's is obviously off. Click on the link below to learn how to set it properly........................

CAM TIMING

[DBT4220]

did the advance jumper maybe fall off and you didnt notice it?

[NavySVO]

Originally Posted by DBT4220

did the advance jumper maybe fall off and you didnt notice it?

Huh? What is this? If you are referring to the SPOUT, it doesn't have to be hooked up to start the car. It should be unhooked when checking ignition timing anyway.

So you say you are definately getting spark? Please verify that by hooking up a timing light normally, and then have a helper crank the engine over while pulling the light trigger. You should see the light strobe if it is getting spark.
In addition, make sure your distr. rotor turns when cranking the engine over. I have seen where the distr. gear is gets pooped from a belt breakage. This will cause the distr. to turn, stop turning, then turn again, and can be deceiving when you think you have spark.
When setting initial timing with the engine at TDC, you should really have the rotor set closer to #2 plug terminal vise #1. The reason for this is that you want the TFI as far from the intake as possible to prevent heat soak.

[89LXVert2.3L]

So i need to have the rotor pointing towards spark terminal 2, and have the crank at TDC? Is that what you mean?

[89LXVert2.3L]

I took out the spout plug,reset the timing,replaced the plug,its close to starting,but its just not turning over.
In my Haynes manual,it shows 2 distributor firing sequences for the 92 and earlier EDIS,i tried both sequences thinking i might be wrong on one of them,but i guess thats not the problem.
What is the correct firing sequence for the distributor for an 89,please help,thanks.

[roachstang]

the firing order for the 2.3 is 1-3-4-2

[ExtrmZ]

at tdc the marks should be lined up, and the rotor should be pointing to the #1 plug wire on the cap, then the 3 then the 4 then 2

rotating clockwise