Hi all,

I was helping a friend with a tune up of her 1999 Accord LX (VTEC 4 Cyl) and somehow I managed to sheer the set screw for the distributor rotor off in the shaft. Needless to say I can use some advice on how to remedy the problem.

In researching this problem, I came across a person who had trouble removing his old rotor for this reason, but mentioned that he was surprised that the replacement did not have a hole for the set screw. Unfortunately, he was working on a 1992 model. I was wondering if any one knew of a manufacturer who makes a "snap on" replacement rotor for the 1999 Accord. That would be the most painless solution to this issue.

I've also read a couple of internet posts of people running just fine without the screw. To get my friend home and, eventually, the car to a professional who can tap out the screw, I added a small piece of tape to the inside of the rotor opening to snug the fit on the shaft a bit and then reassembled it. I'm not very confident in this jury rig for the long term, but so far the car is running fine. I took it for a test spin and revved the engine a bit (up 5 kish). I took off the distributor cap and the rotor appeared to be in place. There doesn't appear to be much room for the rotor to move up the shaft, once the cap is on. Does anyone else have any experience with this? I'd appreciate any advice.

Thank you for your help.

 

best bet is a left hand drill bit and extractor.

 

I bought me a set of those and man, it's either I suck at using those left hand drill bit or it doesn't work. I think it's the first part for me. Lol.

 

Second the left-had drill.

Over-torquing by lubricating fasteners is a myth. Well, it may be true but not a practical factor in passenger vehicles. I lubricate EVERYTHING that I put back together. Why? So it can be worked on again.

On another note, why the hell do some people think the rotor screw, or any small fastener, needs to be torqued to 1,000 ft/lbs? It's a rotor screw. It won't fall out!!!