Nissan Repair: 84 nissan 300zx turbo, crank angle sensor, nissan 300zx

Question
My son owns an 84 Nissan 300ZX turbo. He got in it one day to leave and it wouldn't start. I am a back yard Subaru mechanic but know nothing about Nissans. I have checked for spark and am getting spark into the distributor but no spark at the plugs. The ECU is giving me codes for crank angle sensor, temp sensor, ignition sensor. Where should I start? Crank angle sensor or distributor. I read your earlier comment about the optics of the distributor being dependable except for oil seal issues on the shaft. What next? Thaks.

Answer
Richard,

Replace the distributor as it is the crank angle sensor on this engine.  The shaft seal wears out over the years and as blow by gets worse the pressure in the crank case pushes oil up through the distributor shaft seal and you get oil on the optical shutter wheel (Crank Angle Sensor) and the engine misses.  In extreme cases the engine will not start.  Take the distributor out and remove the rotor post and the cover and you will see the optical pickup and receiver along with the shutter wheel.  My bet is that there is oil all over it...