Replacing a Distributor, Acura Integra

Replacing a Distributor, Acura Integra - EricTheCarGuy

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14 жыл бұрын

Replacing a Distributor, Acura Integra - EricTheCarGuy
Well I think the title will sum this one up. Yes, I did loan my car to my brother the other day only to get it back with a bad distributor, luckily I had one in a box, not the correct one but one that worked. This also covers firing order and a few other tips should you have to replace the igniter or coil. In my opinion the only things you should automatically replace a distributor on a Honda or Acura for are the bearing going bad like in this video or oil leaking inside the assembly. I don't think they should ever be automatically replaced for a no start. I also highly recommend using Honda ignition parts, if not you may be sorry.
There will be a "sequel" to this covering setting the ignition timing, click the link below.
• How to Set Ignition Ti...
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

Пікірлер: 407

@junkeemonkee2 5 жыл бұрын

This video is like 9 years old but I want to say Thank you Eric. my integra broke down on me this morning and after determining it was the distributor I bought a new rotor and ignitor module since they both looked burnt up a bit. threw it back together and the car fired up great! Not sure if you still check these comments but I just wanted to say thank you for making this video it helped me out a lot.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@ZaneAngelo There is a video posted to this one covering how to set the ignition timing after such a repair. Check it out and get back to me if you are still having trouble.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@PermanentRecap You might want to check out the videos that I've done on Diagnosing a No Start, Checking Fuel Pressure, and Ignition System Diagnosis. That should get you started, let me know what you find.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@mvelasco31 You might want to check out my video on the main relay. You can verify this as the problem by watching the video I did on a "quick check for fuel pressure", if you don't have fuel pressure when you crank the engine then it's a good bet the main relay is a fault. If you don't have spark when it's not starting check out the video I did on "Diagnosing an Ignition System".

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@666mada666 I usually score a mark with a pocket screwdriver or something on the upper boss of the head to mark the location of the distributor before I take it off, I think I mentioned that in the video. If you have an internal oil leak in the distributor however you will need to replace the assembly.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@jamisgood21 I'm happy to give useful information, it's my purpose in life. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@iVTECboosted I'm not saying they are bad I just don't have a lot of experience with them. Let me know how yours works out. BTW what problems are you having with the one you have now?

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@AzNMiNoRiTy8 I recommend watching the video I posted a couple of weeks ago on "Solving Honda Idle Problems" as I think the information you are looking for is in that video.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@ghostof1822 I have plenty of Honda stuff in my head so you will be seeing more of that in the future. Not sure what the issue is with the site as it seems to be working now, send me an email if your still having trouble.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@TheFahQue The car is on it's way to my son who will take it on a journey to a slow death so I'm not worried about a future buyer. I've also been driving it around for the past couple of months without indecent and no leaks at the distributor, in my opinion a used factory part that sort of fits is much better than an aftermarket one that will cause a failure at some point, I'm really not a fan of aftermarket distributors for Honda's. Thanks for your great comment, it is very much appreciated.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@egostick1 You might want to watch the video that I did on solving Honda Idle Issues for some suggestions on that. The first thing I would suggest is to look for vacuum leaks.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@EricSeymour77 Some can, it doesn't always work out so well trust me. I got lucky and I'm happy for it. Thanks for the comment.

@jayyoutube8790 8 жыл бұрын

This brings back memories... This was the only problem I had with my civic (89) in those days, I couldn't get anyone to help me out, so I did it myself. Although I've built many 350's and GM, I was sweating doing this job myself. But I tell you what Eric, it was by far the easiest distributor I've ever changed out.. The engineering in those Hondas was awesome.. It only went together one way... In time.. It was great!! Thanks for the video too, good job!!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@bablugablu I think you might benefit from the video I did on Ignition System Diagnosis, it covers the steps on how to determine the cause of a no spark. I recommend performing the tests when the engine is not starting under the conditions you mentioned to find the problem.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@slkuski I think what would help you most is watching the video I did on Ignition System Diagnosis, this is a step by step of finding the cause of a no spark on a Honda. Don't forget to check the fuses too both under the dash and under the hood.

@christophermontgomery480 6 жыл бұрын

Wanted to personally thank you eric... Your video was very informative and helped me through my distributor problems. Yet again, ERIC THE CAR GUY FTW!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@toddsr84 Check to see if you have spark first, if you do it's not the coil, if you don't watch the video I did on Ignition system Diagnosis.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@panoulis20 You could do it that way but auto mechanics is a science not a guess so you should always verify things and not make assumptions this means you might benefit from putting a timing light on your engine just to verify the correct timing in fact there is a video posted to this one about the procedure if that helps, sometimes auto parts stores loan out timing lights. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@DieselCrawler86 You know every time I go to shoot that video someone shows up and sends me in another direction, I haven't forgotten about it though. It is my shop and my mess but in my defense at least it's organized enough for me to walk in and find the parts I'm looking for if I have them.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@Debbi52803 In fact it is, especially since the distributor I put on the car in this video is from a Civic.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@toddsr84 Are you missing spark or fuel when it doesn't start? If it's both you might check the ignition switch by wiggling it while the engine is running, if it stalls replace the electrical part of the ignition switch.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Envyus907 First, NEVER replace a Honda distributor unless it's leaking oil internally or filled with orange dust like this one, the aftermarket distributors that are out there are not as good as the original. Next, watch the video that I did on Diagnosing a No Spark as that will show you how to determine if the problem is in the primary or secondary side of the ignition system.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@raviraay You don't have to remove the distributor but it does make it easier to replace those parts. As I said in this video if I were going to put the distributor back in the car I would score a mark on the top boss where the distributor meets the cylinder head as a reference so that I could reinstall the distributor in time, do this and retiming the engine should not be necessary. If you do remove the distributor it's not a bad idea to replace the "o" ring at the base while your at it.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@bobinator50000 Great suggestion, I use a magnetic tray so I can place the fasteners in different locations for easier recovery. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@yeksun I'm not only cheep but I'm really not a fan of aftermarket distributors for Hondas as I haven't found a good one yet, I'd rather put a used Honda distributor that sorta fits than put in some of the aftermarket junk that I've seen out there. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@ryanbarbs13 You need to find out if the problem is in the primary or secondary side of the ignition system. I did a video on Diagnosing a No Spark on a Honda but the principal will still apply to your application.

@tommyandchill 5 жыл бұрын

Came for a quick install.. stayed for the long drawn out hack job. Love you for that man! 👍

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@lkihappy Misfires can be caused by a number of things including and ignition system problem, you may want to watch the video I just posted on Leak Down Testing as that started out as a misfire code and I go through the steps of finding out the cause of the misfire. BTW I DO NOT recommend replacing a Honda distributor for an aftermarket unit as I have seen a lot of problems with this.

@fjwong7337 5 жыл бұрын

CR-V 376,000 miles. Thanks so much Eric. Except in my case, it didn't start the first few turns of the key. I had to crank it a few times, long long, until it finally ignited and started. Runs very smooth now, without the sputtering on low gears going uphill. BTW mine is 376,000 miles, since 1999, the first time changing the distributor.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@jefejefejefe NEVER ADJUST THE IDLE SCREW or mess with it in any way, it is set and calibrated at the factory and is the #1 cause of a low idle issue in my experience. Head over to my website and type in 'idle speech' into the search box and you will see what I recommend for that.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@74bluewolf I'm glad the video was able to help you. Thanks for the comment and good luck.

@drewb242 6 жыл бұрын

Finally made good use of this video, same process on my 94 prelude si. I had the same issue except the inside of my distributor ( Its either stock or OEM replaced) was covered in a white dust.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@duaneafields Great thanks. That 57 sounds cool.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@QuiteFriendlySwede I did get lucky having that distributor in a box, I'll take what I can get. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@fresno93703 I hope to cover engine performance after I finish the electrical series.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@ringworm7 I love it when a plan comes together.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Tquick9 It's not the seal that is the problem it's the bushing, when the hard parts wear out like the shaft and bushing like in this video it's really not worth messing with in my opinion because you will need more than just the seal in most cases. However I DO NOT like aftermarket distributors, I'd rather put a junk Civic dizzy on my Acura than put on some aftermarket crap. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@duaneafields EricTheCarGuyEB500. I don't have anything for sale there at the moment but I hope to change that starting next year.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@am2r If it's not the external heat shields then I would suspect the intermediate pipe after the cat, it's a double walled pipe that often breaks the welds internally. I usually hit the outside of the pipe with the ball end of a hammer to lock the inner pipe to keep it from rattling around.

@TranceAddictFoX 12 жыл бұрын

I keep coming to your videos for help on my Civic and they have been invaluable. Thanks Eric!

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@dinks102 That sounds like work. To be honest I'm giving this car to my son soon so it can be his problem. It's been a little over a week and no leaks so I'm not worried. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Red88Rex Probably the most important part in my opinion. Thanks for the comment.

@lethallica666 11 жыл бұрын

Me too! Excellent videos from an exceptional mechanic! Very accurate and filled with little nits'n'bits of useful info. Keep up the outstanding work Eric, thanks from Finland!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@EGR95 The noise you hear is probably the fuel pump and may be normal. As for the distributor the code you refer to is for a crank sensor I think and that is housed inside of the distributor, you might want to make sure the engine is in time mechanically before you go to replace it however, I recommend replacing it with an OE unit if you do.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@gokblok Anytime. Good luck and thanks for your comments.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@tne1964 I'm glad it helped, thanks for your comment.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@skylineisr Thanks, great comment.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@TeeAreify Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Dcox250 That code normally means a fault within the distributor (one that I often find on aftermarket distributors) however I haven't seen any performance problems with just letting it go in the past.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@CheezerX Yea, you need that little springy thingy for the ignition system to work properly.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@CHR32191 On those you check the clearance between the cam and the follower instead of at the valve.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@therealfreddyp I think I responded to your video earlier today, if that's not the case let me know.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@paul06660 If it's an aftermarket distributor it's typical really, I haven't found an aftermarket Honda distributor yet that was worth a darn.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@kartguy3 Cool thanks for the heads up and the comment.

@smoothbcuz 12 жыл бұрын

great video i was having trouble getting my distributor back on and after watching your video realized the had the notch lined up incorrectly. after watching got it in like a hot knife thought butter :) thanks

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@mrjayetienne Sony HDR-SR11

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@hentaidrifter I tried the Civic distributor because I had one, I honestly don't know of any other that might work. Good luck and thanks for the sub and comment.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@nivashraaja I've seen lots of issues with aftermarket distributors for Honda's but you may have an issue elsewhere with wiring or connections especially since you just changed the engine.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@EGR95 If you have an aftermarket distributor on there replace it with an OE unit, the aftermarket ones throw code 8's and 9's all the time.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@CheezerX I've never seen that plastic shield cause a problem if it was installed correctly, it actually shields the other components inside the distributor, I've seen lots of cars without them that didn't have any problems but to be honest it really bugs me not to see it there. I think you should keep looking for the source of your problem however as I said I've never seen that shield cause a problem.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@nightmathzombieethan Sounds like an older prelude if it has a vacuum advance. You might want to go for a simpler diagnosis and due a tune up, you might also check the base timing to see if that's correct. If it's carbureted you might want to check for vacuum leaks at the base of the carburetors.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@metallica5680 It is quite common for these years.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@latana151 I might check for an exhaust restriction, try removing the O2 sensor and taking it for a drive, if the problem goes away or gets better you might have a restricted exhaust.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@redneck1994 I might try removing the AC belt to see if it's still underpowered, if it's not then the AC may have a problem. As for the distributor if it has dust in it like this one it should be replaced as that is an indication of a bad bushing, I recommend an OE over aftermarket however.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@Mas7erChief117 I'm surprised it didn't come with one stock. I don't know what wire you need to tap into but you would be able to find that information in the service manual I suspect.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@saucy42 A bouncing tach usually means a bad igniter since it is what sends the signal to the tach. If I'm honest it's much easier to make a diagnosis after the part has failed so testing may not yield a result.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@nightmathzombieethan You can replace just the advance which is a lot less than the entire distributor but if your getting one from pick and pull you should be fine, I don't recommend aftermarket units for Hondas.

@karkraz 13 жыл бұрын

@EricTheCarGuy I retract my previous statements. All these diagnostic checks you've done on here inspired me to go tear out the passenger seat, and check the wiring. Turns out one of the wires is grounding out somewhere between the distributor and computer. I'm going to go see if I can figure out where, or just run a new wire. I've had this car since last September, and I've always just put up with it, but you got me wanting to fix it! Thank you! =)

@ironreign44 11 жыл бұрын

ERIC, YOU ROCK BROTHER!! I ALSO ROLL IN A "VINTAGE" '91 TEGGY! LS 5SPD CREEPING UP ON 300K BUDDY!!! YOUR VIDS ARE INCREDIBLY HELPFULL AND RESOURCEFUL THAT SAVE TIME AND MONEY. ALTHOUGH THE QUALITY IS A BIT POOR, THE CONTENT IS PRICELESS!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!! KEEP THAT HONDA LOVE COMMING!!!!!!!!!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@karkraz I might, I'd have to look.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@3233656364 By the sound of it I think you may need to reset the tension on the belt. If the belt is loose it will make the distributor make noise as well as the valve train. I shot a video on that timing belt but I haven't had time to edit and post it yet.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@IRONMANREDNGOLD If it's not leaking into the distributor you can just replace the "o" ring on the distributor base. I recommend getting one from Honda as they are the best for the job, don't put any sealant on it either when you install it just a little oil to lube it so that it goes in better and doesn't damage the seal.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Kenia12100 I don't recommend replacing Honda distributors with aftermarket units as I've seen a lot of problems there. Check your ignition parts, make sure your using NGK or Nippon Denso plugs, if you have aftermarket wires make sure they are NGK, OE is better. If your cap terminals are fouled out you should replace it with a quality unit. Most VTEC problems are caused by low or incorrect oil. Lastly make sure you don't have any vacuum leaks as they will effect performance.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@fOREvERbAbY27 It's not common for Honda's to have fuel delivery problems with OE pumps so I might start by looking at the ignition system to see if you have any voltage leaks, I did a video on how to find these that might help you. If you don't find any then I would check the fuel pressure next.

@Red88Rex 13 жыл бұрын

Great video, especially the indepth parts with changing the ignitor and coil!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@tapemasteriscool A small amount yes but you can place a rag under it when you remove it and that should be more than enough to catch it.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@mizer6666 First, the use of silicone as a gasket is something I am diametrically opposed to, a gasket is a gasket, it doesn't need any help. The problem with the old distributor was that the "insides" you spoke of were damaged so swapping out that part was not an option. Third, this is MY car so I feel I can take liberties and in this case I got away with it, the car runs great and doesn't leak any oil despite only being held in with one fastener.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@karkraz The wire insulation could be a problem if the wire corrodes and causes excess resistance I suppose but once again I don't often see that on OE Honda parts. If all 3 units were on the same car the problem is not the distributor but somewhere else, I wouldn't suspect the computer first but rather check the wiring going into it.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Tquick9 I'm not doubting your experience but as a professional technician you must realize that anything that can jeopardize a repair can cause a comeback so you do what you can to eliminate those by replacing parts rather than servicing them most times, both repairs work, one takes more time and effort and the other more money but the end result is the same.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@DieselCrawler86 That would be great, I could use some new tools.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@DFresh892001 That would indicate a problem inside the distributor, if it's aftermarket replace it with an OE unit and retime the engine and see if the condition still exists. Probably not a bad idea to also check the mechanical timing of the engine.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@3233656364 I have at times seen a loose timing belt on that car cause noise at the distributor, you might want to look into that before you replace anymore parts.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@christianbaclao I think you should figure out exactly what's missing, spark or fuel during the no start, once you have done that you can further diagnose the problem and fix it. BTW Honda fuel pumps hardly ever go bad so make sure that you have power and ground at the fuel pump connector before you condemn it.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@kennethkitchens I would say they are the wrong plugs, NGK or Nippon Denso only.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@riohondofeen If the noise is coming from the distributor then it should be replaced, I recommend an OE unit as I've seen many issues with aftermarket units.

@yeksun 13 жыл бұрын

Hi I have been watching for a couple months now. I was watching this video and around 5: min. I was saying "OH for Petes sake just buy a new distributor already. Why are you making a square peg fit in a round hole so to speak.After that I thoroughly enjoyed watching you swap out parts and make it all work. I then thought......Hmmmm thats what its all about. Great job. This is the video that made me subscibe to your channel. Keep it up.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@leejinxyooji Yes but I DO NOT recommend you use an aftermarket unit, your actually better off with a used OE.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@JT484236 If you replace it you should at least check it after the installation. If your just doing a repair on your existing distributor you can mark it before you remove it and then put it back where it was before you took it off without having to retime the engine.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@hp11208 You need to make sure you get it lined up correctly so be sure to mark it's location when you remove it so that you can get it back into the correct position when you reinstall it. Good luck.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@nivashraaja Not at all, the distributor gear is offset and should only go on one way, once it is installed correctly it should start up fine without being at TDC #1.

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@authmaax You might be surprised to learn of what my brother does with his life, appreciate you backing me up, sibling rivalry makes for good video. The noise you have might be the H2O pump or the tensioner, only way to find out is to disassemble # 5 (that's an 80's movie joke BTW). Weird problem about the RPM's, first verify the problem, hook up a separate tach and see how far off it really is. The only causes I can think of are excess resistance between the igniter and the gauge.

@kentmocc 14 жыл бұрын

right on Eric, looking forward to more integra videos!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@redneck1994 If it has orange dust in it like this one did you probably need to replace it. You might want to check for debris or misalignment of the cap and rotor just for the heck of it as that could also be the problem. Good luck.

@BlueRice 12 жыл бұрын

its funny, how a lot of people here have damage their distributor after watching this video. i was going to to replace mine but now im actually afraid to do so. thanks to these guys reviewing their own mistake

@ericthecarguy 14 жыл бұрын

@sensasian03 #1 cause of tach problems on a Honda is a bad igniter.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@zakattack467 If I'm not mistaken that engine calls for 5W 30, the noise you describe could be something much worse, you might consider switching back and seeing if the noise is still there.

@SweedSleds95 9 жыл бұрын

That smile at the end, priceless man, priceless....

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@WarpedNut If the cat is clogged causing an exhaust restriction it could most defiantly cause a performance issue.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@crl09ful I wish I had one that I could send you. As far as I know there really is no repair and to be honest the aftermarket distributors I've seen aren't that good so I would recommend an OE unit.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@rxgenocide Thats good cause believe it or not that heat sink is VERY expensive. You can remove the old heat sink just by removing the 2 screws that hold it to the igniter.