Cjlarson14

1997 Honda Del Sol Vtec (B16A2). Bad distributor and installling one today. Manual and previous experience is to set the vehicle at TDC (Top Dead Center), which is a PITA IMO, but is a MUST. Keep reading and seeing others, including friends, simply unbolting the three bolts holding the dizzy on and taking it off and then, installing the new distributor as it only really sits flush one way. They do this without setting the vehicle at TDC. Car starts with no problems after adjusting timing. Just a second advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

NewCarScent

You can just take off the bolts and replace it. The slit in the cam is offset so that the dizzy will only sit flush in one direction. Make sure to adjust your timing and you'll be golden.

Cjlarson14

I'm aware that, that is what I can do. My question or clarification that I would like to know is whether or not I need to set the motor to TDC before I take the dizzy off. Honda Manual = Yes. Others that have done it = No. Are you implying I don't have to do this?

Cjlarson14

Bump. Anyone?

jbpnoman

I've never set TDC for distributor replacement on any of my, or my customer's cars. I'd consider it superfluous and unnecessary.

HondaPartsHero

X2

Cjlarson14

Well that settles that. Much appreciated jbpnoman. I wonder why they state to do so in the manual? Just for good measure I suppose? Thank you for that input.

jbpnoman

Because the dealership mechanic rule of thumb is "whenever you touch a timing component, set to TDC". The dizzy is part of your timing system, it just also happens to be on the complete end of the system, and is keyed so it can only go on one way. On that note, you can get away with not setting TDC before doing anything in the timing system, it just makes life a LOT easier when it comes to belts,cams, and keyways if you do.

Cjlarson14

I see. Well that definitely makes sense. Thanks for that insight. I really appreciate it. Makes life way easier not to have to set it to TDC to remove and install a new distributor now that I know that.