Distributor Replacement DIY

[CB7/KA8]

Wassup guys. Is there a DIY on replacing the distributor? I searched in the DIY section and couldn't find anything. I know that you have to mark it, I just don't know where. That's why I was looking for the DIY.

Tony

[HondaFan81]

Special Tool Needed:
- Ignition timing gun
- Paperclip

Remove 3 screws at distributor housing base and wiggle the distributor out of the cylinder head. After removal, inspect large O-ring at distributor key (end inside cylinder head) and make sure it is still pliable and no tears. If not, then replace or you will leak oil bad from that side of cylinder head (O-ring cheap to replace). Install new distributor, key way should only go in one-way, don't force it. Once lined up, distributor base will install flush to cylinder head. Hand-thread all 3 distributor screws, but do not tighten. Align the top (12 o'clock) slot of distributor so that the threaded hold is in center, then tighten down all 3 screws. This will get you close enough to 15 deg BTDC, to start engine.

Start engine and let it fully warm up to where coolant temp needle is in normal location and idle is about 750 rpms. Then, take paperclip and turn into a U-shape and insert into the 2-pin (usually blue) connector at passenger-front kickpanel area (behind dash). Make sure you insert the paperclip tips into both metal terminals, making contact metal to metal. Now pull flywheel ignition timing cover (rubber plug between tranny & engine block), install timing gun (neg & posi battery cable connections for power, then clip firing signal wire to #1 cylinder, which is closest to driver side wheel). Point timing gun at flywheel timing hole, line up the "V" to the "<" pointer like a gun sight, so you are looking at it properly. Make sure your timing gun is set to 15 deg BTDC or at it's default position (0 degrees).

If set to 0 degrees, line up the flywheel mark at 15 deg BTDC.

If set to 15 deg BTDC, then line up to TDC mark.

You loose distributor 3 screws and rotate CCW or CW until you line up the marks, as decribed above, then lock down all screws. Remove paperclip and you're done.

[CB7/KA8]

Thanks Hondafan. I appreciate the help.

['93CB7Ex]

Thats a GREAT write up.

[19dabeast85]

If only my crap XTD flywheel had timing marks.....I can only get it close by centering the top mounting tab, who knows if it's right or not. Great diy though!

[evil_demon_01]

If only my crap XTD flywheel had timing marks.....I can only get it close by centering the top mounting tab, who knows if it's right or not. Great diy though!

You could make a TDC mark on it by using the cambelt pulley as a reference for TDC.
Then by using an adjustable timing light (I forget the correct term) you can calculate your actual timing.

[19dabeast85]

You could make a TDC mark on it by using the cambelt pulley as a reference for TDC.
Then by using an adjustable timing light (I forget the correct term) you can calculate your actual timing.

Yeah, my timing light doesn't have advance settings, it's just a basic one. I could do it off of the crank pulley also but I do not trust that that has not slipped a little over the years.

Probably the best way would be to line up the cam pulley, mark the flywheel, count the teeth on the flywheel and then put another mark 15* away from the tdc mark.....I don't have the time right now.

[iwork4mycb7]

nice writte up, why dont u guys move this thread to the DIY...

[CB7/KA8]

If only my crap XTD flywheel had timing marks.....I can only get it close by centering the top mounting tab, who knows if it's right or not. Great diy though!

You could make a TDC mark on it by using the cambelt pulley as a reference for TDC.
Then by using an adjustable timing light (I forget the correct term) you can calculate your actual timing.

Can I have my thread back dudes.

Once I install mine I will create a DIY with pics.

[91accorddxbuds]

good write up but how in the hell do i get those wire harness clips seperated, ? they wont come off for me....

[91accorddxbuds]

you no the 2 harnesses, you have to disconnect?
i cant get them apart,


and also can u get your dizzy tested, before i buy a new one?

[chillin943]

good write up but how in the hell do i get those wire harness clips seperated, ? they wont come off for me....

you have to remove them off the metal mounting clips first. i think you squeeze the little clip and the harness slides off the metal clips. then u squeeze the the clip between both of the plugs and it should come apart.

u car can basically test ur dizzy to see if its functioning properly for u.

no check engine light and cars runs fine, ur dizzy is ok.

check engine light is on and u check ur codes and get the #9 code, its the cyl pos. sensor. u car will still run but over time start acting funny.

[91accorddxbuds]

ok well then what else could be wronge with my car????

[CB7/KA8]

Ok, I replaced my dizzy with a new one and I installed an Accel external coil. Now my car won't start. I know that the timing is off. Is there a way to put it back in time while its not running? Will the timing light help? Can someone post a picture of the timing marks cuz i can't seem to find it.

[deevergote]

Yeah, my timing light doesn't have advance settings, it's just a basic one. I could do it off of the crank pulley also but I do not trust that that has not slipped a little over the years.

Probably the best way would be to line up the cam pulley, mark the flywheel, count the teeth on the flywheel and then put another mark 15* away from the tdc mark.....I don't have the time right now.

Get a stock wheel with marks on it. Line up the bolts on the two wheels, and mark the unmarked one.