We have a 1993 Honda Del Sol (Si with 5-speed manual) and want to keep it running forever. We have taken car of it and it has always run great. Over the years it needed new wheels, and other things just because it is old.

A few days ago it was running fine and when we went to the store and came out it would not start. Engine would crank and turn, but it would not fire. Had it towed to our trusty local shop.

They diagnosed that it had no spark. They replaced the distributor. They said it started but would die. So they diagnosed further and said it needed a new computer (ECU I guess is the same thing.). They put in the new computer and put back the old distributor.

Car runs.


But the engine has a stink that it did not have before. Reminds me of a car with improper timing. Engine seems get hotter faster too. It sounds different, louder and more raw. Idles at a lower RPM. Feels like the motor shakes when accelerating from an idle. Just does not feel or smell right.

It was due for a proper tune up before this repair.

Any advice on what it could be? I do have a local Honda mechanic who is our local Honda expert and can take it to him with yall's advice. But what do I ask him to do?

Thanks
Frankenfurter

 

So distributor removed then another put on, then original reinstalled. Sounds like they didnt time the dizzy correctly.

 

I would also check the ECU to be sure they replaced it with the same ECU.

But like previous poster, quite likely didn't do the ignition timing.

 

agree with the above responses plus, you shouldn't have to replace the entire distributor for a no-spark condition. I replaced the cheap Ignitor and it fired right up.

 

The shop found that one of the ignition wires was loose at the distributor so a cylinder was misfiring. The wires are very old. They plugged it back in and she runs great now. Just like before. No more smell and she does not get hot. Idle feels right she accelerates normally.

Will be taking her back in for a tune up and new wires soon.