I searched but wondered if anyone had some insight. Was driving along the highway, started to lose all power, pulled over and car seemed like wasn't getting a spark. Cranks but does not start. I would assume this would be the distributor since it was all of a sudden like while I was driving? Would I assume correct or could it be the alternator/other electrical deal? I am not a mechanic but no a little about cars. Anyone got a dizzy for sale or knows a good site? I know there are tons of rebuild/instructionals, any favorites?
Thanks in advance

 

The distributor is the Achilles heel on older Honda Civics. Prime candidates for the cause of your problem here are the ignition coil or igniter (both located inside the distributor). The ignition switch also may have failed. See discussion of diagnosing these at http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/faq.html#startrun

Distributor King on ebay is a popular aftermarket dizzy source, but you really want to see if it is just the coil or igniter first. Plus you want to consider the more expensive, but longer lasting OEM ignition parts before you consider Distributor King.

If it is cranking, then the alternator is most likely supplying the starter motor just fine.

What year Honda?

 

It is a 91 si. I've done some more research and am fairly certain this is the cause. There is an OEM dizzy on eBay I will probably get. Even if it isn't I would feel better if I knew I had a nice new dizzy installed. This link was very helpful for others:
http://techauto.tripod.com/mainrelay.htm
Also I don't have a hayes/other manual, is it pretty simple to replace the dizzy, but are there any pages that have some pics to reassure me?

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

 

If that Ebay advertised OEM dizzy is not over $250, be very suspicious. Make sure whatever is advertised is for your Civic Si. Make sure that it has a new igniter and coil. Sometimes just the housing (a.k.a. base) is sold. The housing all by itself does not inclue the igniter and coil and other parts.

If you are determined to throw money at this by "just" buying a new dizzy and slapping it on, then yes, the dizzy in its entirety is fairly easy to replace. (Replacing just the ignition coil and/or igniter is a few more easy steps.) You will need to set the timing after putting the new dizzy in, so you will need a timing light.

OTOH, if this car is still using its original dizzy housing, then it is due for a new one, again preferably OEM. There are engine control sensors in the dizzy housing that do degrade over time.

www.autozone.com has a free online manual specific to Civics of this year that should be fine for the steps to replace the dizzy. The 88-91 Civic CRX manual's dizzy replacement procedure accessible via http://media.honda.co.uk/car/owner/m...H200/16-48.pdf may also be helpful.

 

Here is the listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...id=p2759.l1259

Seems to be what I need. Off a si. I asked about the igniter and coil though and if it was OEM. Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it, this is what honda-tech is all about, mad tech!

 

The part number given for the ebay distributor above is td-02u. From www.bkhondaparts.com, the part number for a 91 Civic Hatchback Si's distributor is td-18u. Now the td-02u dizzy might work well, but I would not bet on it. (Yet someone else here might chime in and correct me. I deal strictly with stock and do not try swapping parts from one model to another.) Also, it is not at all clear that the ebay dizzy you found is OEM. If it is not OEM, you may as well go the Distributor King route. Google for same, and I am sure they will have a dizzy for you (via their Ebay store) for under $200, just not an OEM one.

FWIW, because it is easy to get the wrong dizzy, it is pretty usual for dizzy sellers to say to call or email them if you have any doubts. Chances are that, if you found the wrong one, they will steer you to the right one. The best way to go is to match those numbers. You can even just type in "TD-18u" in the Ebay, amazon, or google search engines and get good hits for sellers of same.

Be aware that Autozone can also sell you an aftermarket dizzy for under $200. Just do not expect it to last too long.

You need to check your main relay and ignition switch, too. These with the dizzy (especially the coil and igniter in the dizzy) are the most likely causes of an engine stopping the way yours did.

You are doing a great job researching this subject outside Honda-Tech, BTW. Good for you for finding that main relay site. You have just learned that Honda main relays are a well known problem with older Hondas! Like one-third of the first no-start condition on Hondas turns out to be the main relay.

 

Make sure the t-belt is still good. Your problem sounds very similar to one I had a few years ago in my '90 Si...

 

what are rywire "hp" dizzys about??

 

honda.lioness knows his stuff when it comes down to dizzys