Just replaced distributor due to cyl 1 sensor code. had a tapping / rattle when cold start and intermittent during warm revs…now it’s a thrashing machine with new distributor (cardone new) …I guess my question is could my timing belt be off a tooth cause the #1 cyl sensor to burn up and thus with new distributor be attempting “true timing” and causing the rattling/thrashing noise. I put the old distributor back on and the noise is all but gone except the occaisional tap/rattle when cold and when revved after warm up. Or could I have a really fkd up New distributor ? And yes I put it in right. Don’t really have many tools to chk the cam sprockets ect. so just wondering if the new sensor working would cause timing to be "forced by ECU to be more correct and hence the rattle/ thrashing ball bearing sounds? Phew. Hope that made sense. oh 92 GSR all orig.motor 205,000 miles.
I hope someone can help seems our site is getting cold ;<
where exactly is all the noise coming from ? is it the distributor? If so can you remove distributor and turn it by hand to see if its spins smoothly. I would think regardless if the timing belt is off , the intake cam is the only thing spinning the distributor so if the noise is inside the distributor then it simply might be a bad bearing or some other interference inside under the cap. also i would check the side of the cam pulleys to see if they are aligned correctly and could do so by taking off valve cover also or side cover. then i would check your actual timing with a timing light to see if its way off but before that check the spark plug in cylinder 1.
I’m not sure about your timing concerns, but I do suggest getting that unit warranty replaced ASAP.
I have had the same issues with an aftermarket distributor, Car done to be exact. it was making a rattling noise. The distributor worked fine but it sounded like a sewing machine, so I end up getting a refund after 2 exchanges and found a Oem unit.