Smithcraft

Hello!

I'm looking to do a tune up on my 98 Civic EX, and I noticed that the parts listings list a Thermactor distributor cap and a non-Thermactor distributor cap.

How do I determine which one I need to get?

Thanks!

SC

TomCat39

Your best option is to get the one the dealer parts counter supplies you.

It's been said many times there is no real equivalent to OEM caps and rotors or even distributors.

Jimi Hondrix

Have you tested spark quality yet? New parts may not provide any better spark than what's currently present. You might want consider purchasing an HEI spark tester before spending on parts.

Smithcraft

Thank you for the options.

I'm not really a big fan of the local stealership from when we had an Accord.

SC

mk378

Yes be very wary of third party ignition parts. Many are really bad. There are online dealers such as Majestic Honda.

Never heard of a "Thermactor". I think they are talking about whether TEC or Hitachi made your distributor. Most USDM Civics have a TEC distributor, it should say "TEC" on your old cap if it's original. Hitachi ones have the sort of bullseye Hitachi logo.

civic402lx

Hondapartsnow have good prices. Cheapest i could find online. Bought numerous parts through them. Quick shipping also. Check them out for oem parts.
i bought TEC cap and yec i think rotor. Dont remember, its in the FAQ. Took the brand, find oem part numbers, head over to ebay. Search, buy, install..

Smithcraft

Thanks for the input!

SC

Smithcraft

Well, most of the tune up is done. I forgot to get an oil filter, but I'll get that tomorrow.

I haven't driven it, but it idles about 8 million times smoother than it did before.

I just measured the gap on the (5 year old) plugs and they are 1.66, 1.71, 1.74, and 1.66.

The old rotor has what look like burn marks all along the contact edge with a noticeable (but not really photo friendly) gob of material on the bottom. The cap is fairly disgusting, so I haven't looked it over too much.

The cap I ordered was the Thermactor cap, JH157.

SC