I want to replace the ignition rotor on my 1997 Honda Accord. Took the distrutor cap off and seems as the screw that holds the rotor is under this black plastic cover. Do i need to rotate the crank and if so, how do i rotate the crank?

I google this and found this.

"In order to get the set screw in a position so it can be easily removed, you have to get the rotor to rotate. Act as if you are going to start the car, but only hold the key in the start position for a split second. The cars engin will turn over, and the rotor will rotate, hopefully to where it is easier to get the screw out. If not, try again. "

I have also found that i need to rotate the crank.

Thanks.

 

Either you can or Have a buddy crank the engine (turning the key as if you were going to start to car) in short bursts with the cap off until you can get to the screw. It won't mess anything up. You need to have your battery connected to do it.

 

Once the rotor turns do you leave the key on or can your turn the key back to off position?

 

turn the key off, its good to unplug the battery again once you start working on anything electrical again though.

 

The procedure you described *does* rotate the crank. It just means turning the engine so it stops in a different position. The rotor spins through one complete revolution for every two complete revolutions of the crankshaft.

 

also alot of times the distributor shaft is rusted so the rotor may be hard to take off even with the scrrew off. dont worry about breaking it off if so, as long as you have a new one of course

 

I was raining yesterday so i didn't get to it. I will try what quickster suggested first hopefully it will work.

 

There is another way to do this if you have a manual transmission. Leave it in first and no ebrake, on level ground of course. Then rock the car, it will turn the engine and the rotor. I did it on my civic when I changed the rotor and it worked.