Is this normal? My distributor is hot to the touch.

The car is randomly dying while driving it, but wont die on the freeway.. Seemingly, only at low idle conditions. Once dead, it will not start til the car cools off or unless you jump it. The battery has been tested as good and taking a voltage reading off the car while started, it's charging at the standard 14.2. Anyone experienced anything similar? Do you think this is electrical or fuel related?

It's hard to chase this down as it's an intermittent problem. I am replacing the fuel pump as I write this because it needs it anyway. The mesh bag inside was dirty as hell.

Engine: H22a
Mileage: Approx 100k
Ignition: Crane something or other that came with the engine. (I need a stock h22a ingnition setup if anyone has one)

 

most of the time if it will restart after it cools, your ignitor is bad

 

Mine did that last year in my 5 speed 4th gen. (The not starting part while it's hot) I replaced my starter and it has been working fine. Good way to test it is to hit the starter with a mag light (or a wrench) while it's hot. While hitting it, have someone crank it. If it cranks = starter is shot like old yeller. As for the dying part, I'm blaming the ethanol. I would try some seafoam, changing the fuel filter, and gas treatment. Also check the injectors.


Modified by h23siaws at 5:53 PM 5/5/2008

 

Would this cause it to die as well? Even if you leave it idling for an extended period of time, it'll just die.

I don't think it's the starter as it kicks everytime. It rolls over strong, but acts like it's not getting fuel..

 

Surprised no one else figured this out by now. Main Relay is most likly your issue here

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by prelewd &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ignition: Crane something or other that came with the engine. (I need a stock h22a ingnition setup if anyone has one)</TD></TR></TABLE>

What do you mean Crane ignition? Like an ignition box or what? The stock ignition system is what you have left if you remove the box that you (probably) have. There is no stock ignition box, it's just the distributor, plugs, wires, coil, wiring harnesses, ECU, etc.

What I'm getting at is you should be able to go back to the stock ignition pretty easily, no extra parts needed.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Acidcrakker &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Surprised no one else figured this out by now. Main Relay is most likly your issue here</TD></TR></TABLE>

ding ding ding....I think we have a winner...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by h23siaws &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Mine did that last year in my 5 speed 4th gen. (The not starting part while it's hot) I replaced my starter and it has been working fine. Good way to test it is to hit the starter with a mag light (or a wrench) while it's hot. While hitting it, have someone crank it. If it cranks = starter is shot like old yeller. As for the dying part, I'm blaming the ethanol. I would try some seafoam, changing the fuel filter, and gas treatment. Also check the injectors.


Modified by h23siaws at 5:53 PM 5/5/2008</TD></TR></TABLE>


a starter has nothing to do with a hot distributor or a car dying while running or idling low. It has to do with starting.

 

if you guys read the statement in the parentheses, the starter is the problem when the car is not starting while its hot. the part after that is what I suggested to fix the idle problem.


ok, while someone taps the starter, the same time someone start the car.


also is your tach bouncing?


Modified by h23siaws at 4:06 PM 5/6/2008

 

There is nothing wrong with the starter as the starter does it's job every time, hot or not. The engine turns over strong, just doesn't seem like it's getting fuel.

I'll post a follow-up after the fuel pump and main relay go in to let you guys know. Will also test after fuel pump install to eliminate or incriminate the relay as the cause. From the sounds of things, I'm 95% sure it is the relay though.

 

If you can jumpstart your car to start it then the problem is not the main relay. Yes you dizzy being hot is quite normal. (It is bolted to the head after all, touch your intake mani,suprise hotness)

 

I have had plenty (As in not one or two but several) of starters and alternators and batteries that tested GOOD at the parts store but in fact were not. That is where I would start.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DCFIVER &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you can jumpstart your car to start it then the problem is not the main relay. Yes you dizzy being hot is quite normal. (It is bolted to the head after all, touch your intake mani,suprise hotness)</TD></TR></TABLE>

So if not the main relay, then what?

The starter works everytime and is provided plenty of power from the battery, which is charged by the alternator.