My problems just started one day. Actually the car (1989 Civic Si HB) didn't. Took a little cranking to make it run and I had the distinct feeling that there was no spark while it was cranking but there was spark with the key in the "On" position.

I thought it may be the main relay. Haynes sucks for accurate wiring details... Over time the problem got worse. Today it wouldn't start at all.

I did compression and one cylinder is dead. Compression was 140 150 50 170. Should still start and it was running fine yesterday. Adding oil to #2 did not make any difference. No coolant in the oil and I rebuilt this motor 7,000km ago... Valve I suspect...

The poor compression is not related to the problem. Burned 1/4 quart in the last 4k KM so it's otherwise healthy.

Suggestions? There is power going to the distributor through the 2 wire plug. Screwdriver test and timing light both showed no spark. I checked the coil and it's got resistance. We compared the resistance of the ignitor against a working car and could find no difference. The cap & rotor are new and the wires all checked out. Plugs are fine. #2 was a bit oily.

-Michael