Alexander Smets

I just replaced the distributor cap and rotor on my 1991 base model Civic Hatch. After installing everything I tried starting the engine, and while it rumbles, it won’t start.
The only things that I can think of that might have caused it are that I bumped (started, not physically bumped into) the engine when replacing the rotor, and tried to start the engine a few times without disengaging the clutch.
I took the rotor off and installed it again, only I rotated it 180 degrees this time, but the same thing happened.
All I can think of doing right now is checking the timing belt allignement, but I don’t want to start that before trying everything else that might fix it and would be quicker.
Any help would be very much appreciated.

muellersfan

Check whether the spark plug wires are installed in the proper firing order on the cap. This is a common mistake.

Also check whether the distributor connector is plugged in.

If both are fine, then check for spark at the plugs. If there's no spark, the coil may have blown, if you cranked the engine with one or more spark plug wires disconnected.

Alexander Smets

Both the wire order and connector are fine. I checked for a spark with the rotor in the wrong orientation, and no spark.
Should I rotate the rotor into the correct position and check again before assuming the coil is bad, or is it safe to assume there will be no spark with the rotor in the correct position either?

muellersfan

Ohm test the coil and reinstall rotor to correct orientation.

Alexander Smets

Thank you, you’ve been very helpful.

Alexander Smets

The resistance between terminals is 1.2 ohms at 18 degrees Celsius (spec is .06-0.7 at 21 Celsius), so I’ll replace the coil.
Is there anything else I’ll need to fix if the coil is the cause?

muellersfan

If the plug wires and spark plugs are old, replace them as well. Good luck with the fix!

Alexander Smets

I finally got tge replacement coil, installed it, and now my car starts again. Thank you so much, you’ve been massively helpful!