Distributer Inspection/Repairs

[festivalife]

After searching the Search menu and finding nothing on distributer repair, inspection, checks, thought I'd just put this out there:
If my distributer doesn't move after touching the starter what/where do I need to inspect to find out why? Used the starter move to loosen the crankbolt in my timing belt inspection/replacement and noticed the distrib. just remained on #1 plug position. Hit the starter a while longer and no movement. How to check this out/where ?

[Tim]

Is your timing belt intact?

There's really not a whole lot that can cause the distributor not to turn. The only moving part is a shaft in the distributor that is connected to the camshaft, which is connected to the timing belt.

[ejp2fast]

starter attached to flywheel, attached to crankshaft, attached to timing belt, attached to camshaft, attached to distributor...
if you move the crankshaft and you stay on the #1 plug on the distributor, something is not rotating.
please update your profile with location (as others near you may give assistance) and also say what year car you have.

[jglutz]

Big problem.
Pull the dist from the head.
I'm sure you will find the problem...the dist comes out relatively quickly.
The dist is keyed to the cam....will be self evident once the dist is removed.
If all is intact...crank the engine while the dist is removed and verify the cam is turning.

[festivalife]

Ok, here's my specs: '90 Festy, 5spd, 200K miles/ timing belt replaced at 100K. NC locale. Timing belt isn't broken; it turned fine manually via the 21mm wrench on the crankbolt for 2 complete rotations both directions. At that time the camshaft turned w/out problems when the belt turned too.
Thanks for all ya'll's input here, I've got a direction now and afew places to check out. Gonna be pulling that distributor first thing Friday after work.
Cam timing sprocket center bolt sheared off w/out any cracks in the camshaft or timing cog damage. The timing cog nub that fit into the fitting slot of the timing cog has sheared off flush also so, obviously, the camshaft now has to be replaced.
What in the world would cause the distrib. shaft to break....200K miles of wear?

Is it accurate to think, the distrib. was at the #1 plug when it stopped spinning, but if it's busted down below then it makes no difference when I reinstall another one along with another used or new camshaft??