Ignition Synchronizer - what is it ???
 

A week or so ago I posted the thread "Need Serious Help - Car driving me crazy ". This is the follow up to what a mechanic has explained:

"The leak is coming from the Ignition Synchronizer/ECM Assembly. Oil is leaking from inside the unit and it is designed to be a sealed unit"

Does anyone know what this part is and what its real name is? I have found zero information on this and the closest I have found is the Ignition Module Control Unit. This unit does not appear to have any oil connections to it so that does not make sense.

I was told it was the replacement for the distributor, cost about $400, and is called the ECM (in Toyota) or Ignition Synchronizer Assembly ( American Cars).

ECM returns info for the engine computer which I know is not the problem.

Is it the Cam Position Sensor? If so is this a major job or easy to do yourself?

Any ideas???????

That sounds like the CPS; Internal leaks don’t seam to be a common problem, but the external O-ring can go brittle and cause oil to leak and drip onto the front exhaust heat shield. To remove the CPS and replace should only take less than an hour’s work, not a major job. If you do buy a used one always replace the external O-ring, Toyota part # 90099-14018. Useful links if you go for a full rebuild Rebuild Kit & CPS Rebuild or you may find a used one on Ebay, if you do take a chance on a used one,the external O-ring is dead easy to fit. Link

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/cirgriff/CPS.jpg

Just found one on Ebay 4 1/2 hours to go.

So this is located right by the power steering fill port / reservoir on the passenger side of the engine?

Correct if you have a left hand drive, although my passenger side has a steering wheel and pedals (UK model) CPS cam-positioning sensor. TPS throttle positioning sensor.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...f/CPSImage.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/cirgriff/TPS.jpg