Oil fouled spark plugs-fixed

[Hagland-BB4]

Sad to hear this, I know it probably isnt but the sound and symptoms are very close to mine when condensation build up in my distributor cap, corroded some the the metal pieces that sparks, dried it out and lightly sanded and was back to normal.
Really hope this is all it is.

[vanzep]

Fitted spare distributor
https://1drv.ms/v/s!AkdFurpHGf13oDQIfFa ... K?e=J8Ok3R

[TitzonToast]

Happy days. Now go ring it's neck to celebrate!

[vanzep]

took the old distributor apart
the screw that holds the rotor to the shaft had come loose and ripped out big chunks of plastic everywhere, bent the rotor contact and then welded itself to to one of the contact posts...
the engine has a few small flat spots/lag above 4000rpm
there is some rattling in the exhaust or catalytic convertor so they will need checked
also smell of fuel at start up
surely it cant be too bad as the car starts and engine sounds normal - smooth unless above 4000rpm on hard acceleration but fine in normal city driving conditions.
Initial Plan is:

Check spare distributor over and then check distributor timing
Take out and check/clean the new spark plugs - see what they say
Take off valve cover and check cam timing
Take off exhaust and catalytic convertor - check for obstructions/debris
Any helpful hints or advice is always welcome
Here is a pic of the old diistributor when i took it apart:

[Drax]

This is why I commonly ask people to check their dizzy, they so often go wrong lol I'm very glad it was just that, well worth investing in a whole brand new dizzy for any lude imo

[Scott560]

I nearly had the same failure, the screw holding the rotor arm had either backed out or come off completely. I now use a little loctite. Luckily I spotted it before it caused trouble.

Glad the fix was relatively cheap and painless!

[vanzep]

I took the new spark plugs out today and was glad to see no oil on any of them
The car started first time and idle was spot on. I think i can hear there is some small pieces of something rattling in the exhaust
Next up is to time up the replacement distributor that i just fitted
I also want to take the cat back exhaust off and check the centre silencer and oem catalyic convertor - make sure no damage or obstruction

[wurlycorner]

Excellent news, glad it was a simple fault!

Surprised the rotor arm screw came loose - those things are normally impossible to undo when you want to change the arm!

If the distributor failed, it's possible there could be some engine damage caused through timing drifting so far out, but... You'd have heard/felt that at the time you were driving it and shut it down, I'm sure.

[vanzep]

Yes i got a surprise when i took the dizzy cap off
Luckily i was slowed right down and very low rpm - i didnt get much warning just a whumpf noise from what felt like the cat or centre silencer and then it stalled out and i took it onto the hard shoulder.

I guess i could drop the oil and check that and maybe do a compression test on all cylinders but it doesnt feel like there is an issue. I am hoping checking the dizzy timing and exhaust will clear up the higher rpm flat spot or at least help guage if the timing is out or not. Idle is perfect and start up better than normal so who knows. Its just a bit of a kick in the balls after all the recent work thats been done and it running so well.

[vanzep]

I fitted new rotor arm and dizzy cap and set the distributor timing as it was off - all is good now - no flat spots or misfire
I have been out for a run with some vtec and the engine performed without fault so I am quite relieved no damage done.
Thanks