Distributor Issue?
 

Hey, so, I am new... I just bought a 1996 4x4 Blazer a year ago and have zero issues until last week. My check engine light came on and I took it to a shop and they said it needs a distributor. It is supposedly because there is an issue with a part of the distributor that a wire plugs into. The part where the plug makes a connection is broken so it won't stay plugged in all the time. The bad connection is causing a problem with starting, it's making a thunk sound several times in a row until the starter gets in the right spot. Sometimes the starter makes a spinning sound between the thunks. So, they said the only way to fix the issue is to replace the distributor. Does that seem right? They said I may already need a starter because of it, or possibly a flywheel. Just trying to get an idea before I go any further. They quoted like $200 for the distributor but looking online, I see there are cheaper and more expensive options so I'm not sure what the differences are.

A problem with the camshaft position sensor (the electrical plug on the distributor) would not cause a no start condition and definitely would not affect the operation of the starter. It would only set a code if there were a problem.

It sounds like you have a problem with the starter that needs to be squared away. What does it do when the "starter gets in the right spot"?

Hi, I'm sorry, my computer decided to go up in smoke the day after I joined here so honestly, I have forgotten all about this forum and I haven't done anything with the distributor.

The shop that told me that I need a distributor ended up replacing the starter for a second time.. guess they determined it wasn't the distributor. The blazer runs and drives but, it is still making the clunking sound when you turn the key and the starter engages. You have to turn the key a couple of times then it starts right up. The shop told me I should have the flex plate replaced as it could be damaged from the starter. So, I took it to a transmission shop and they said there is nothing wrong so I took it back to the shop that has been working on it.

Now they are saying I need the spider injectors replaced. They googled my issues and are saying that those are bad and causing my starting problem. Needless to say, I don't believe them.

I have found a local guy who used to be a GM tech and now does work on the side. I am going to take it to him and see what is going on I guess. I will just start over from the beginning. Have him diagnose my check engine light and my clunking when you first turn the key. Oyyy veyy....

Sounds Hinky To Me!
 

Yeah, right off the bat I was thinking it sounded a bit hinky that the distributor connection would have anything to do with a starter noise. My first guess would have been the bendix on the starter wasn't engaging correctly which could damage the teeth on the flywheel/flexplate.


I'd never heard of spider injectors but after a quick search it appears they have to do with the fuel injection system, something else that doesn't have a single thing to do with starter noise.


If I were you I'd get a diagnosis from the guy you were talking about and then go back to the original shop, which in my opinion thought they saw you coming so to speak, and get another diagnosis as well as a print out of it along with an estimate. Then I'd turn them in to the better business bureau.


That's what I did with a manager at a muffler shop that tried to take me for a fool by telling me that I had a crack in the catalytic converter when in reality I just needed a new flange gasket. Just remember, if they'd take advantage of you they'd take advantage of others who might not know to question them.