Notices
Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (Internal Oil Leak)

Old 02-01-2008, 11:20 AM
  #1  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
2accrds's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lawrence, KS, 66046
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (Internal Oil Leak)

After removing the cap and rotor remove the three screws that hold the shaft assembly in place. You will most likely need some small vice grips or else the screws will strip fairly easily.

Name:  DSC01982.jpg
Views: 21397
Size:  94.7 KB

Then take the snap ring off and the pin will fall out. This allows the shaft to slide right out.

Name:  DSC01983.jpg
Views: 10687
Size:  175.8 KB

With the shaft out remove the pickup. So you won't damage it removing the seal. Tap the new seal in lightly so you won't damage it.

Name:  DSC01981.jpg
Views: 14707
Size:  111.2 KB

Here is the dizzy housing seal removed, compare to the new one.

Name:  DSC01979.jpg
Views: 15878
Size:  129.2 KB

Here is where the o-ring is located

Name:  DSC01984.jpg
Views: 10735
Size:  76.8 KB

The seal was purchased at partstrain.com


Old 02-01-2008, 11:24 AM
  #2  
Honda-Tech Member
 
professorman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,732
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (2accrds)

Great lil writeup with pics
How much did the seal cost?
Old 02-01-2008, 11:42 AM
  #3  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
2accrds's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lawrence, KS, 66046
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (professorman)

It was about $12 before shipping, just go to partstrain.com.
Old 02-01-2008, 12:53 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
deklao's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Atlanta, Ga, US
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Sorry for my ignorance. Did you replace internal seal and external o-ring? I just replaced my external o-ring and learned that the shaft has a lot of play. I wonder if there's bearing inside (if any) was worn out.

Thanks
Old 02-01-2008, 01:27 PM
  #5  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
2accrds's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lawrence, KS, 66046
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (deklao)

I replaced both the o-ring and seal. You can see where the bearing is in pic 3 next to my finger. It is held in place by the three screws. You would most likely have to press it on and off to replace. My bearing was fine so I didn't replace it.
Old 02-02-2008, 09:57 AM
  #6  
Honda-Tech Member
 
JGAccorn's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Huntersville, NC, USA
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (2accrds)

ok i'm pissed! about a year ago mine started to leak so I just grabbed a new distributor from Honda. I looked for a week to find this seal. Guess I should of looked harder! Oh well, now I have a good distributor for sale. The old one with a new seal.

Thanks man, that's some good news that you can get the seal.
Old 02-02-2008, 10:55 PM
  #7  
 
Jmumblez2001's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: king of prussia, pa, montgemery
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (JGAccorn)

i'm pissed too jgaccorn, cause mine was leaking internally and i went 2 napa and got me a new dist. i'll keep this post in mind next time
Old 02-03-2008, 07:43 AM
  #8  
H-T Order of Merit
 
TouringAccord's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: somewhere in MI
Posts: 9,172
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (2accrds)

Added to the FAQ
Old 02-03-2008, 08:41 AM
  #9  
 
Lapog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Lubbock, TX, US
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (TouringAccord)

Sorry I missed this new thread and kept posting on the old one...

Anyway, I used the previous write up and replaced the O-ring. The pictures really helped! Thank you.

However, I could not remove the distributor because the electrical connectors did not want to detach. I did press the tab and pulled hard on the casing... no luck. I stopped short of using vice-grip to pull them apart. Any suggestions?
Old 02-03-2008, 10:47 AM
  #10  
Honda-Tech Member
 
kbud's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (Lapog)

WARNING! Be sure to reinstall the part that interfaces with the cam in the same postion it came off the distributor shaft. If you do not, you will have the distributor 180 degrees out. The tangs are offset, not centered, which is how you can only put it in one way to the cam. However, you can rotate it 180 when you put the pin back on the shaft. Your engine will not run if you do this. I found out today. Thanks again for the pics and info.
The following users liked this post:
Old 02-03-2008, 12:00 PM
  #11  
 
Lapog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Lubbock, TX, US
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (kbud)

Thanks for the warning and sorry to hear that your story. Hope it did not damage anything.
Old 02-03-2008, 04:12 PM
  #12  
 
CD5 Jeebies!'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Free bullets if you find me sucka, Washington
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (Lapog)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lapog &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">However, I could not remove the distributor because the electrical connectors did not want to detach. I did press the tab and pulled hard on the casing... no luck. I stopped short of using vice-grip to pull them apart. Any suggestions? </TD></TR></TABLE>

flathead use it to unhook the clips you might have3 to pull with a little force..those plugs probably havent been unhooked in years huh? and I dont know if this has been said but REMEBER TO MARK YOUR TIMING!!! with a permenat marker when you take teh dissy off the head..just draw a line...
Old 02-03-2008, 04:20 PM
  #13  
 
Lapog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Lubbock, TX, US
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (CD5 Jeebies!)

Well, actually I did use a flat head to keep the tab open and still it wouldn't slide out. Perhaps I was too gentle, but the marks on my fingers tell me I was not

Anyway, I'll give it a go again soon. May be I'll really tug hard this time, if it breaks, so be it

Yes, I did mark the position of the rotor (wrt to distributor body) and drew several lines all over the distributor housing aligning with the body of the engine. Putting it back couldn't have been easier

Now, waiting for the seal to arrive to dismantle again... sometime next weekend.

Old 02-03-2008, 04:41 PM
  #14  
Honda-Tech Member
 
kbud's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (Lapog)

No damage done. Wasted a couple of hours for me trying to figure it out. Anyway, I used a chisel to lightly mark across the distributor body and rocker assembly (top mounting bolt on the distributor) to give a reference point for the timing. I was afraid to use a marker since I knew I would be using carb cleaner to clean all the oil off. When I reinstalled the distributor, all I had to do was line the marks up.
Old 02-04-2008, 03:13 AM
  #15  
H-T Order of Merit
 
TouringAccord's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: somewhere in MI
Posts: 9,172
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (kbud)

I never understood how people could do that. Hell, I didn't even think it could be done.

My friend had replaced a coolant hose and removed the distributor to get to the hose easier. When they put it back on the car didn't run and they couldn't figure it out. So they call me and I go over and take a look. Go to take the distributor off and that things was really wedged in there. It should be pretty easy.

If you have to force it in then you know it's off.
Old 02-04-2008, 03:35 PM
  #16  
 
Secret Chimp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (TouringAccord)

If I just want to replace the external seal (where the distributor butts up against the head and the camshaft end bearing), do I just pull the dist, wedge the new little seal in there, and reverse? I noticed the outside seal looked pretty brittle when I took off my rocker arm assembly a few days ago, but I didn't think to preemptively buy one so I couldn't do it at the time.
Old 02-04-2008, 04:31 PM
  #17  
 
Lapog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Lubbock, TX, US
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (Secret Chimp)

That's what I did. Should be 15min job max., if you have the right tools. Remember to clean out the area where old O-ring was.

Oh! the oil will leak down the transmission and create a little pool right below where the tranny-drain is. It worried me first time, until I bent down under the car and looked up to see the oil slick.
Old 02-04-2008, 04:53 PM
  #18  
 
Secret Chimp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (Lapog)

My car doesn't leak anything, but my lower rocker arm oil seals literally snapped in half when I pulled them out to replace them, so that little thing can't be in much better shape
Old 02-05-2008, 05:45 AM
  #19  
Junior Member
 
deklao's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Atlanta, Ga, US
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Sorry for my ignorance. Did you replace internal seal and external o-ring? I just replaced my external o-ring and learned that the shaft has a lot of play. I wonder if there's bearing inside (if any) was worn out.

Thanks
Old 02-05-2008, 06:33 AM
  #20  
Junior Member
 
deklao's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Atlanta, Ga, US
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

sorry. I have this page up for days and just click refresh. Evidently, it re-submit my reply. Ignore this please.

BTW, good thread.
Old 02-07-2008, 12:48 AM
  #21  
Junior Member
 
2BFI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (deklao)

I have a '99 Accord and the distributor is also leaking oil on the inside. I got stuck on removing the pin at the base. My distributor doesn't have a ring that holds the pin. It's just a pin that is force fitted. I've tried hammering it out, but to no avail.

Name:  IMG_0589.jpg
Views: 11924
Size:  23.5 KB

Do I need to hit it harder? I'm afraid to break something. Or maybe, once removed, it won't go back in as tight?

Any help would be great.

Thanks.


Modified by 2BFI at 1:58 AM 2/7/2008


Modified by 2BFI at 2:00 AM 2/7/2008


Modified by 2BFI at 2:04 AM 2/7/2008
Old 02-07-2008, 04:19 AM
  #22  
Junior Member
 
deklao's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Atlanta, Ga, US
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (Lapog)

Kbud, you saved my day. I am glad I read your warning. I took mine out when I put it back in, the car didn't start. I turned it 180 degree, put it back, and started right up.

Two more WARNINGS , people.

When I took mine out, one part of the cap seal was hanging outside. That explain why my rotor got stuck to the shaft since it rusted. I had to spray DW-40 on it for couple hours. so be careful when you put the cap back on. Make sure the seal is seating properly.

I also learned that the shaft was too loose. the little black piece (see picture 3) was pushed too far up. I just moved it down by hitting it with hammer lightly.

The car is running smoothly now.

2BFI, you may have an after market shitty part. I may be wrong though. I would go the auto part and ask to see one.

Good Luck
Old 02-07-2008, 04:34 AM
  #23  
Junior Member
 
2BFI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (deklao)

deklao, my distributor is an OEM part. I haven't changed it since the car was bought from Honda.
Old 02-07-2008, 04:54 AM
  #24  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
2accrds's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lawrence, KS, 66046
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: (2BFI)

Make sure that when you are hitting the pin the base is taking the impact and not the shaft or housing. Then, swing away.
Old 02-07-2008, 05:48 AM
  #25  
Junior Member
 
deklao's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Atlanta, Ga, US
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

2BFI, I would still go to auto part to see and compare the part. Maybe your model is different.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: How-To: Replace Internal Seal of Distributor (Internal Oil Leak)



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:30 AM.