Having a problem w/ the distributor, hoping you guys can help. I am almost positive it is 1st Gen B16A distributor, since I have a first gen B16A head on my LS block (I did not do the conversion myself).

I went to change the cap/rotor on my distributor. Cap came off no problem, however, the rotor retainer screw was totally seized. I figured I could get it off with some vice grips, but my friend told me he had the same problem, and it would be easier to take the entire distributor off first. So we took it off, and after throwing a lot of muscle into it, I got the seized screw out, and reassembled the distributor.

Here in lies the problem. The car turns over now, but it won't fire. I didn't mark the distributor before I took it off, and I'm almost positive it isn't lined up correctly. I set the first piston and TDC, and also set the distributor to what the Helms manual said was TDC, but it still wont fire.

What can I do to fix it? I replaced the cap and rotor w/ 94 Del Sol VTEC parts, can this have anything to do with it? If I can't figure it out, I'm going to have to have the car towed to a mechanic.

 

BTW...

Also noticed the one of the mounting legs had been hacked off my distributor. Does this mean it is from another car? From reading on here, I'm guessing maybe 90 Integra?

 

Yeah, if its missing a let its either from a 90-91 integra or 88-81 si or hf.
In which case, both of those distributors use the same cap and rotor, so buy the correct one. Also, there are two small springloaded contacts inside the cap. make sure they are intact when you reassemble it. With one missing, obviously the spark wont be transferred from the coil.

 

How can I tell which distributor I have? Would using a del Sol VTEC cap and rotor prevent the car from firing?

I'll double check those spring loaded contacts as well. Where are they located?

 

Well if the leg is cut off, and your car has -not- been converted to obd-1, then you either have a 90-91 ls dist, or an 88-91 si/hf dist. It doesnt matter which one you have, since they both use the same cap and rotor.
I have never tried putting an obd1 cap/rotor on an older distributor, but there is a good chance that is your problem.

 

I second Rioninja's reply...even if you have a B16a 1st gen distributor (which I think you dont), you still need to use a 91 LS cap and rotor anyway. Del Sol Vtec is obd1 and what you need is nonobd replacement parts which is the same from 88-91 Civic (S1) or 90-91 Teg (even earlier).

 

Thanks for the replies guys!