Rep Power: 0

I have a 1991 Honda Civic DX that cranks but won't start. I tried starter fluid, and it wouldn't work. The battery is good. The fuses check out. I'm 99.9% sure the main relay is good. When I tested the ignition coils by putting spark plug in there, there was no spark in the plug. I was advised to simply replace the distributor, but according to ErictheCarGuy, you could usually fix it. He said that if the distributor was bad, the inside of the distributer cap would be covered in grease. When I took the distributor cap off, it was a little greasy at the bottom of it. Does that mean I should replace entire distributor or just simply ignition coil or some other component?

Keep in mind, I haven't checked ignition coil or igniter within the distributor. The distributor I plan on replacing it with would be of Nova Auto brand that costs $60 with free shipping and free returns but buyer pays return shipping.

Any help, tips, and advise is much appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 221

Do not buy that, $60 is way to cheap, it's just going to be garbage, there's ways to test the coil and the igniter

 
Rep Power: 0

I already feel pretty good on knowing how to test ignition coil and igniter. It's just that I haven't been able to get an extra pair of hands available to help me. If I knew that I would replace entire distributor, I would feel really feel no need to test ignition coil and igniter of course (but then again I could probably sell my old ignition coil and/or igniter if it/they was still good).

What's the cheapest you would go on a distributer?

Do you think a little oil at bottom of my old distributer cap means that I have to replace distributor?

 
Rep Power: 366

check if the cap is not cracked.

 
Rep Power: 0

I think the cap looks fine.



I don't know if you can tell, but there's that oil at the bottom that I was talking about.

 
Rep Power: 366

OK, now that the most common issue we see is not the case (cracked cap), I will need to say I have never heard someone coming here in this forums asking about it, but after doing a quick google search, seems that oil in the distributor is fairly common on 6th gen honda (I am only familiar with old VW distributors, sorry)

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...butor-3151269/

since your car is already not starting... Maybe the oil caused issues to the electric components inside.
Dismantle it and clean, replace the electric parts?

https://www.bkhondaparts.com/v-1991-...e--distributor

It could just be the igniter that is on its last toes... that is what caused issues on my old beetle.

 
Rep Power: 221

The rule of thumb is to only use OEM distributors in Hondas. So either junkyard or eBay for a used working one, or buy a coil/ignitor (research what the original components were)

 
Rep Power: 366

it's on my link. 114 bucks for a new ignitor...

 
Rep Power: 0

How would oil get in there in the first place? From the busted o-ring (part #6 https://www.bkhondaparts.com/v-1991-...e--distributor?

What would I clean distributor with? Should I dismantle the entire distributor to clean it?

 
Rep Power: 366

from the shaft connecting it to the engine - where the first o-ring is - it's mechanically connected. It rotates, so likely the oil is to lubricate it until the internal o-ring?

if you are going to change the electrical parts and rubber ones, use something that will evaporate.

 
Rep Power: 0

Update: I just did proper spark plug test. When spark plug test was performed, I didn't properly ground it. Here is a video of the results using a tip from Scotty Kilmer's "How to Fix a Car that Cranks but Won't Start":


I know that there's other ways to do it (and they're probably better methods overall), but I did this kind of test due to my limited mechanical experience. I could try the better tests if you think I should.

Anyway, what do you think of the results? How good is the ignition system based on my tests? Keep in mind, I also was using power from another vehicle's battery, so there was a lot more volts.

Any help, tips, and advice is much appreciated.

BTW, I created a new thread due to this update. You could post answers there if you want.
How good is my ignition system? - Honda Civic Forum (civicforums.com)