Ok so my daughter has a 1998 Accord and it had a coolant leak. Figured out it was the heater hose so bought a new one. To access it I had to pull the distributor cap and igniter off. Got the hose replaced and when I went to hook it back up I realized the cap gasket was bad. Replaced it and hooked it all back up it won’t start. Checked to be sure wires were hooked up correctly and they are. Engine cranks but not steady (while holding the key it cranks, stops, cranks, etc) and it won’t turn over. Any thoughts??

 

if you took off the wires from the cap instead of from the spark plugs(which is always best), it's most likely the firing order is off

you can also use a spark tester and check for spark

 

When you took the distributor off there should be a key with 2 raises. Make sure the keys are in the right spot (one should be fatter then the other and won't go on unless forced). Also make sure the wires are plugged back in the right order. You can always google the diagram for the distributor to make sure you plugged them in right. If that doesn't work turn the key to the on position and make sure you hear the fuel pump whining. Good luck, hope it works out!

 

Also make sure when you disconnected the distributor you didn't accidentally dislodge one of the wires in the connector. I had that issue with my VTEC sensor when i pulled off the connector one of the wires attached to the metal piece in the connecter pulled it back a little bit and caused it not to make contact. Just push all the wires securely in the connector to make sure you have a good connection.