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The original distributor in my vehicle is leaking oil internally, and escaping through where the cap and distributor seal. I've replaced the o-ring on the outside shaft, but it didn't solve any problem. I've seen those o-rings come in a kit with a smaller o-ring. Is there an internal o-ring that I need to replace as well? Or is my distributor going down the road to ruin?

 
Rep Power: 518

There is a small lip type seal down inside it between the housing and the distributor shaft.

Problem is Honda doesn't sell that seal separately. They make you buy the dist housing or the whole distributor.

 
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http://Www.carid.com/1989-Honda-civi...m-7936055.html

Would this be the seal you are talking about?

 
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That looks like the style that should be in there. Where did you find it? I did not find it in the Honda parts catalog.

 
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Found searching through distributor parts for 89 Civic at www.carid.com

Is that seal something that requires a complete disassembly of the distributor to change out? It's a $20 part, so I don't mind tearing the distributor apart to save myself $150 - $250 on a new one. Just would like to know what I'm getting into; this is my work commuter and need to set aside time to do it.

 
Rep Power: 518

Yes, you would have to pretty much strip the dist and remove the drive lug to get the shaft out and have enough room to change the seal.


carid is a sponsor on this site.
See if they have an exploded view of the dist and maybe instructions?

If the shaft has a separate bearing, you might want to replace that too.

 
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I knew the internet wouldn't let me down! Nailed it this seal is shot...

 
Rep Power: 518

Yay!





Good to know. Thanks for the update

 
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Alright. So my mileage has been crappy ever since I replaced the inner lip seal. Also this thing STILL leaks oil internally. I'm thinking i may have tweaked something when I took it apart, but am not sure.

Would it be in my best interest to just get a new dizzy? If so, what brand do you guys suggest?

 
Rep Power: 518

Some thoughts come to mind:

I know on other old distributors I have disassembled in the past, the shaft could be coated in a layer of brown varnish that needed to be cleaned off or it could damage the seal.

You didn't install the seal backwards, did you?

Or knock the little spring out of place?

The shaft could have had a groove worn into it from rubbing the lips of the original seal for the last 28 years.

Check the PCV system. Excess crankcase pressure could be pushing oil out?



Did you reset the ignition timing to spec after assembly?


No advice from me.....Take your pick, it's a crapshoot.


HTH

 
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I know I didn't install the seal in backwards, and I DIDNT reset the timing after install. Wasn't sure if I adjusted the timing to a faulting distributor if I'd be chasing the wrong rabbit and do more harm than good.

There was some varnish on the shaft, but where it mates with the lip seal it was polished down to metal, so it could be in fact worn down.

 
Rep Power: 518

Well, your immediate loss of gas mileage I would assume is due to ignition timing out of spec. May be a little low on power too.


The seal does keep it's little area of the shaft polished due to constant contact.

Did you have to push the varnished area through the new seal? That could have caused damage to the seal. It was a thought.

Did you get more than one of the seals? If the shaft is worn to a smaller diameter you may be able to feel a difference in seal drag as you slide the seal down the shaft and it passes over the worn area.

Is the upper bushing or bearing in the dist worn, allowing excess radial play of the shaft?


Did you thoroughly clean the distributor out before you installed it? This isn't leftover oil or residue you are seeing?





Just thoughts. I can't see much from here LOL

 
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I used a whole can of carb cleaner and a can of terminal cleaner on this thing. Now there isn't any oil so I believe you are correct in assuming it was residual oil.

Also, it was a timing issue 😁. I moved it back to where the old washer marks were and it runs like a champ. Haven't checked timing officially yet, but I don't have a gun and plan on getting the belt replaced soon anyway.

 
Rep Power: 518

Yay!