Rep Power: 0

So I bought my wife a 98 Civic EX two weeks ago. Runs like a champ, great condition. Had it 15 days and it died. I was driving on the highway, pulled out to pass a vehicle. The car accelerated wonderfully, and then sputtered, lost power, and died. It will still crank over...and when I held the throttle open it tired to run, but very ruff, and then died. I towed it home to try to figure it out. It has spark, it has fuel, and as far as I can tell, the timing belt didn't jump. I pulled the valve cover and upper timing cover off tonight, and the belt seems to be in time. Does anyone have a suggestion? In my opinion, it seemed like maybe the spark was a little weak, but not for sure. This little car really has me stumped. If anyone is willing to help a newb out, I would appreciate it.


ROb

 
Rep Power: 0

im guessing check the spark plugs thats my guess

 
Rep Power: 277

first what plugs are you running second check all your grounding straps if one is off or bad it will give you lots of problems. from there go an start looking at spark plug wires and the distributor

 
Rep Power: 0

I am not sure what plugs the car has in it. I need to pull one and see. I really don't think the spark plugs are the problem though. The thing just died running down the highway and now has no desire at all to restart. I am wondering if it may be something with the distributor, but the car does still have spark.


ROb

 
Rep Power: 813

did you check ignition timing? its different from cam timing.

 
Rep Power: 0

No CELs?

 
Rep Power: 0

No CEL. The thing just flat died running down the road, and won't restart now. The distributor hasn't moved, the timing belt seems to be inline, and it is getting fuel. On a Chevy, which I am used to...that is all you need. I am pretty stumped.


ROb

 
Rep Power: 277

check the wires to the starter there is a little one that has a tendency to slide off and iff it does the car won't start

 
Rep Power: 277

check the wires to the starter there is a little one that has a tendency to slide off and if it does the car won't start

 
Rep Power: 0

ignition timing i think is the problem.. also check wiring..

 
Rep Power: 0

Won't crank over, or won't run? The car cranks like there is no tomorrow. What is the procedure for checking the ignition timing on this car? I am pretty well stumped by this deal.

ROb

 
Rep Power: 0

Got the car fixed!!!! Well atleast diagnosed...gotta order parts now. I pulled the distributor off the car to make sure there was nothing wrong, and a screw fell out of it...so that got me to searching. It was the screw out of the rotor! The rotor was turned slightly, and that was creating problems. I have a problem now. The cover inside the distributor was messed up slightly when the screw backed out I guess. Anyone have any idea what the part number or part name would be...I am trying to find it and order it from Majestic Honda with no luck. It is a 98 Civic EX with a D16Y8.
THanks for the help.


ROb

 
Rep Power: 813

only parts you can buy separately is the cap and rotor button. and the button comes with new screws if it uses them. otherwise you need a new distributor if something broke. that plastic cover inside isnt sold separately. altho you may have some luck at junkyard.

 
Rep Power: 0

agree....

 
Rep Power: 0

I ordered a cap and rotor from Majestic Honda last night, along with a door handle I needed. The cover is still useable, the damage to it was minimal. I am just OCD about stuff like that. I can't wait to get the parts and get the little beast back on the road.


ROb