My 2002 Express 5.0L with 147K miles stopped running at 75mph in the middle of Wyoming. After a tow to the nearest town, the local mechanic pulled the codes and found a code for a bad camshaft position sensor. We replaced that module, plus the cap and rotor (while there). Tried to start it and nothing but cranking. We took the coil wire off and looked for spark, then took the cap off while cranking and found the rotor was not spinning. He pulled the distributor and found most of the gearing worn fairly severely. We got a new distributor the next day, installed it, timed it, and we made it to our destination.

Should I be concerned that there is something other than 'normal' wear going on with my motor? It has been a very reliable van so far with no major engine work. I have noticed that the oil pressure seems to be lower than in the past, but looking at the distributor shaft and gear, everything was plenty wet with oil.

Thanks in advance. In about 5 weeks, the van has to return from Montana to Ohio, so I want to be prepared.

Jeff

 

The gear did its job by wearing out like that. Its purposely made with a softer metal to wear out so it does not damage the camshaft. After a few hundred miles pull the distributor and check the gear for wear. If it is worn already you may have an issue with the camshaft

 

Thanks. That confirms what I have been told. I will pull it after a couple hundred miles and inspect.

Jeff