Hi Guys-

So I was trying to troubleshoot stuff on my car after doing a HG and I broke one side of the Distributor key.

Key which goes into the camshaft has 2 ends, now one end is broke and only one is left.

Please have a look on the picture(Generic pict, not of my distributor), my question is can I just replace the part/key or I have to get a new distributor?

Please advise and help since I am having a real tough time and days with the car

Thanks in advance for the help

 

Go to FAQ up top. Look at how to replace the inner seal/o ring. It will tell you how to take it apart. Then head to the junk yard

 

Don't think you are going to be able to find that one part on it's own outside of pilfering it from another distributor. leflore's solution is the most painless.

 

Thanks so much guys for helping out.

I was having real engine issues after doing the HG:
https://honda-tech.com/forums/showth...2#post48939992

I thought, maybe Distributor key is reversed causing the car to give such a horrible engine noise and almost 'Zero' power, so I was trying to reverse the key and crank. Of course, car didn't start, so when I tried to change the direction of the key again, saw one piece was missing.

I still have to find the broken piece of the key by pulling the valve cover.

Thanks for the help, I am gonna try to find either the key or maybe a complete distributor from junkyard.

 

Alright here is an update about this issue.

I fixed all the timing and valves adjustment and took a gamble by installing the distributor with a broken key.

Tried to crank the car and viola it fired right up.

Now my question is, if I drive it like this is this a problem or would it be fine?Any cheapest way I can get just the key, because new distributor is like $200

Thanks again for all the help and cooperation guys, really appreciate it.

 

Keyway is offset from center a bit, so when installing it backwards and then running it like that there was some bind and one half of the key broke off. If the other half of the key is fine and not fractured, outside of some side loading, the distributor should work fine. However if that key tooth is broken fractured it may eventually break and you will find yourself with a dead engine.

At minimum I would find a spare dist from a yard car and pilfer the keyway.

 

Thanks so much, really appreciate your help and response.

Will be getting the key in the next 2-3 days, so gonna replace it.

BTW, when you say dead engine, you mean since I will not be able to drive and start, right?Hopefully, I will not harm or destroy the engine by driving like this, correct?

 

hi yall new to the forums i know this is an old post but this happend to me but really stupid mistake i was installing my dizzy and i guess it was lined up right to the cam and i forced the bolts in and heard a snap took out the dizzy and noticed that both of the keys broke off. my question is is that piece i broke off replaceable? and do i need to fish in there and remove the pieces?

 

If you have the same car, 1994 EX(F22B1), then you are in luck since I have some spare key laying around. Yes, please try to fish in using a magnet, piece left inside isn't a good idea.

Send me a PM or let me know and we can work something out.

 

hey faran thanks for the reply unfortunately it isnt the same car its actually a 1998 honda civic lx. would i be able to get to the pieces with my hand if i open the valve cover? if not i can use a magnet and go through the hole where the dizzy key goes in but im going to need a pretty skinny magnet to fit through.

 

Do you have anything similar?

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Mag.../dp/B001UF01DK

Flexible Magnetic Pickup Tool

If so, I would use it inside the distributor hole to see if I can pick up those pieces. So try a magnet first and see how it goes?