[TYBEEISLAND]

Thanks in advance for your help......

[Vidalia]

You and your vehicle are obviously victims of an Alien Abduction.

It is the same story from each victim almost ver batim.

Don't you hate it when that happens...?

[rednek]

"we've pulled the distributer cap and the rotor does not turn when we engage the ignition"

sounds like the the gears on either the distributor or camshaft are gone. pull the distributor, the whole thing not just the cap, and see what is left.

regards - red

[bluesagewoman]

Timing belt?

[RightWhale]

the rotor does not turn when we engage the ignition

It should if the starter motor is cranking the engine.

[Grut]

I don't know anything about Subarus (aside from their tendency to rust) but if this was a VW Rabbit I'd suspect a broken timing belt.

[PoorMuttly]

Have you tried "Click and Clack, the tappet brothers" from (gulp) NPR's Car Talk?

Perhaps cartalk.com, I think.

Otherwise, Art Bell may have a theory.

[Kush]

Did you try taking it to a repair shop. No insult intended!

[spunkets]

"1986 Suburu,... the rotor does not turn when we engage the ignition.

You broke a timing belt.

[I still care]

My son is a mechanic. He looked at your post for 2 seconds and said, "Timing Belt".

[Freedom4US]

Timing belts are also critical in one other important aspect -- many, though not all, OHV/C engines are of an 'interference' design -- if the belt breaks or slips pistons will physically strike valves as the timing shifts radically. If this is the case prudence and thrift dictates you should look for a new or rebuilt engine, as the cost for repair is vanishingly close to a complete replacement apart from the longterm reliability of the repaired engine.

[blau993]

Ditch the Subaru and ride a Moose to work.

[I still care]

OK, I think you're in luck. He checked out your car and it is NOT an interference engine, so hopefully your valves are ok. Here is a page on timing belts: http://www.carcarecouncil.org/tbneglct.htm

[jwalsh07]

There are two timing belts in the 86 Subaru, the left timing belt links to the distributor, thats wehre the problem lies but you may as well replace both. Don't pull the distributor unless you are going to replace it. Unless you know engines I'd advise you to find a mechanic who does and indenture yourself for a preset period of time.

[Petronski]

I'm a Ford man, but I'd be happy to help if I can. Model of car and engine size will be needed to be sure.

However, if the rotor does not turn, your repair will probably be expensive (timing belt, distributor gear, who knows?).

[templar]

The last Subaru engine I worked on was a 1980 (it was in my '79 Brat).

You say the rotor doesn't turn when the ignition is on. I assume that you mean when the engine is cranking. There are several things which could cause this, all mechanical problems, not electrical.

If the rotor is not turning when cranked then either the camshaft is not turning or the drive on the distributor is not engaging the drive from the camshaft (or, least likely the distributor mainshaft is broken). The drive could be by a gear directly off of the camshaft, or by a cog type of engagement from a camshaft driven oil pump.

Pull the distributor (usually by removing one bolt holding a clamp at the base of the distributor and just pulling it out of the engine)and examine the bottom end of the distributor shaft. Is there a broken gear or drive pin? If so you will need to replace it and install it into the engine again to see if it turns, indicating there is no internal damage to the driving member. If the distributor, after replacing the drive gear, turns while the engine is cranked then you will need to re time it in relation with the camshaft in order to complete the repair (not really that hard, but you will need to pull a valve cover to see the position of the itake & exhaust valve on #1 cylinder in relation to the ignition timing mark on the crank pulley. Intake & exhaust valves need to be fully closed and timing mark at TDC indicating a fully compressed cylinder ready to fire). BTW,it is usually cheap to buy whole distributor from a salvage yard and easier than replacing the parts. It is a good idea to mark the plug wire positions if you have removed them from the cap or spark plugs before you remove the distributor.

If you pull the distributor and the drive end looks fine (no missing gear teeth or broken cogs, pins, etc.) You will need to pull a valve cover and crank the engine to see if the camshaft is turning. Just watch to see if valves are going up and down while cranking. If they don't move you have abroken timing chain (or maybe belt, I don't know for sure which your engine uses). Or, possibly, a broken camshift or cam driving gear. If you r engine uses a belt, it is fairly cheap to replace and see if the problem is cured (you should be able to look at the belt and see if it is broken after removing the appropriate cover). Be aware that a broken belt or chain, on some engines, will destroy the engine internally by pistons hitting the open valves. If you find a broken belt (or chain) ask a subaru dealer mechanic if this is the case with your particular engine, since you might not want to proceed with a repair attempt if it is.

If your engine uses a timing chain (as mine did) this is an internal engine repair. You should be a fairly experienced mechanic before attempting internal repairs, and have a fairly well stocked tool box, access to a garage or other convenient indoor area, and an engine pulling hoist. Again, ask an experienced Subaru mechanic to see if a broken chain has probably destroyed your particular engine or not when considering an internal repair.

If the timing chain is the problem (of a broken belt has caused probable major internal damage) you may want to consider a new engine rather than a repair. A rebuilt engine could run you 1200+ dollars, but that would be more than the car would merit, However, a bit of looking around at salvage yards and classified ads should find you a good used engine for around 150 to 175 dollars. Replacing an engine whole is a fairly simple bolt turning job. You can rent a lift at most rental stores ( or do like I did with my brat and just grab ahold and manhadle it in and out if your strong enough). A used engine usually has the accessories attached (distributor, carburetor, manifolds, etc) and is quick to get up and running. A one day job, or less with a helper. If you have a manual transmission, it's a good idea to replace the clutch disk while the engine is out if you ahve many miles since your last clutch replacement. Saves doing the whold process again in the future.

[shamusotoole]

Considering the age of your car, you should not be thinking repair, but rteplacement. I deduce from the fact that you needed someone to diagnose a busted timing belt that you may not be the world's swiftest mechanic. If you are not, you might be overwhelmed if you try to DIY. It is a lot of work. It's cheap parts-wise but costly in labor, your own or some one elses.

A lot of new cars have been sold with the 0% financing and right now would be a good opportunity to trade up.

best regards

[IH83WTS]

First of all, nowhere is it written that only ONE thing has to be wrong. But it sounds like your timing belt (or chain) has failed. If your distributor does not rotate while the starter is operated, then there will be no spark. When a timing belt breaks, the engine stops right then and there. This will also throw the valves out of time and with some engines, will cause the pistons to collide with the valves resulting in catastrophic engine damage.$$$$$$$$$$$ You need to bring the car to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair. (Or, sell it to some liberal who wants a car that doesn't pollute the air and go buy yourself a Suburban.) Seriously, though, Subarus are excellent automobiles and I wish you the best.

[Cagey]

"No Man, not the gas!"

[Jaidyn]

I agree that it is the timing belt. I had the same thing happen to me twice with two different cars. It can get expensive!

[ncowger]

hi there my name is nancy cowger and being a woman i have learned alot about the mechanics of cars and trucks as i have started my own auto repair business t and n auto/truck repair 1-541-427-3112 it sounds to me it is definatley your timing belt.