Hi guys,

94 Accord here. I just had timing belt + tune-up done. Timing belt was done with complete honda parts. Tune-up was cap, rotor, wires, plugs. However cap, rotor, wires were non-honda (mix up in communication). (The old wires were replaced only because they got swollen from leaking oil in the spark plug tubes.)

How important is it that the cap, rotor, wires be Honda brand?

I've been reading this great forum for a few months, and know that its best to stick with Honda. However I went with what the tech recommended (he spent time at a local Honda dealership).

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...UTOR+%28TEC%29

How do you make out the brand of the cap (#2 in the above Majestic Honda catalogue). Its brown in colour. I supposed the best way is to ask the mechanic, but hes away for a few days.

Thanks

 

Ex Honda tech or not, he is in his own business (or another shop) to make a profit, that includes a profit on the parts, the only real way to tell if the parts will perform good is to hook up to an oscilloscope and see how many KVs are being generated via the ignition and where in the spark line is the air gap in the cap and rotor being seen in the spark line. I think a view at 2ms will suffice. If the gap is too big it will override the spark in the cylinder and this is not a good manufactured part.

 

The worst part about aftermarket distributor caps is they tend to leak water. If ANY water is in the cap the car will not run.

 

Thanks guys,

Lesson learned. I'll keep an eye on the car when its snowing/raining.