My 2.5 motor was running too rich, then it gradually started not starting while warm... eventually it started stalling, and after a while completely stalled and would no longer start at all.
Replaced Fuel Injector, checked all fuel lines.
Then I determined that it jumped time, because on number 1 compression stroke the rotor was not pointing at number 1.
So I Replaced timing gear and chain. Read Chilton manual on how to setup timing, checked to see that there were indeed 20 pins from timing mark to timing mark. Lined it Up on number 1 compression stroke. Per the manual, I set oil pump shaft at 3 oclock, turned the rotor to 5 oclock to drop it in, and once it was seated it was at 6 oclock. Checked all electric wiring, no bare wires or bad fuses. Have not replaced rotor and cap, but it was running before it jumped time. Have spark, have plenty of fuel. Motor will not fire at all.

This vehicle has the only distributor I've ever seen without electronic components of any kind - no magnetic pickups, etc. Only thing inside is the the rotor. Very odd.

Any ideas appreciated, first time in 20+ years a vehicle has stumped me like this!

 

when you checked pin count you rotated timing gears so timing marks were at the correct position as shown correct

 

well i tried.

 

Thanks for your help. Yes I lined up the marks on the gears as shown in the manual.

I've been reading online, and there is a lot of stuff out there about the CPS (Crank Position Sensor), if this were to fail, would it prevent an engine from firing?

 

Yes.

When my 2.junk MJ stopped running it turned out to be the rotor button and cap.

Have you checked the typical air, fuel and fire?

I bet you either have a weak spark or no spark.