tkda

i have got a 92 civic ex i just got it have oem d16z6 217 k on it.
the kid i got it from said it just stopped starting one day and he did a compression test on it and had really low numbers i remember #2 was 45 and the highest was 125.
anyways before i pulled the motor out for a rebuild i checked the car out for other bugs. or to see if their was another reason the car was not starting
got fuel but no spark, all the fuses are good.
checking the distributor, the power wire at the conector was hot, the ground was not.

Ground

power
So i took the cap off and checked at the terminals at the coil they screw into.

negative

and positive.
i am guessing their is a short where the two wires are touching. please shed some light on the problem if you can.
Thanks

tkda

also, when cranking, the negative inside the disributor will not pulse on and off it will throb.

tkda

bump

Former User

Is the CEL on?

Both the Blk/Yel wire and Wht/Blu wire attached to the coil should be hot. Pull out the coil and do resistance tests on it (see diagram). Also remove the igniter unit and have it tested at an auto parts store.

Transpoquick

Do the same test as in the first pic but only use the connector,IE stick one end in the positive and clip the other to a p-clip sticking out the negative, the light should come on with the key on.
Also I feel if you completly disassemble that dist. you'll find the wires or at least insulation going into the pick-ups is bad, I have had many problems with my z6 dist on my 94 and options are few, most of the ones you find in the JY will not be any better, new ones cost a fortune.
My solution was to completly re-build the whole thing, w/ a new ICM, external coil and checked/repaired all the wiring.
I smoked a couple ICM's untill I eliminated the push on connectors and soldered leads directly to the terminals. Hope it helps!

Targa250R

No spark in a D-series is almost always the ignition coil, and occasionally the ignitor. Doesn't matter if they test good or not; I've seen plenty of coils test good but still not run the car. I bet if you pulled the coil out of there, it'll have scorch marks on it.

You see all that red dust in there around the coil? It means the bearing in the distributor base is on its way out. I wouldn't be surprised if it squeaks and chirps like a squirrel once you get it started.

Frankly I'd just get a complete good used distributor from a salvage yard rather than doing any more detective work on that one. If the bearing wasn't ready to go, then I'd say fix the one you have.

Former User

I completely overlooked the red dust. This is a compelling argument for buying a new distributor, coil, and igniter unit.

tkda

Thanks a ton for all the help guys ill be on my way to the junk yard this weekend.
ill update you on the progress.