motoxxxman

So long story short, I'm making a custom distributor for my 1990 prelude, putting obd1 civic sensors in my distributor and cam sensor (CYP sensor is in a separate housing on my engine).

Does the polarity of the sensors matter? I can't figure out which wire for two of the three sensors is +/- in the distributor I'm pulling the sensors from.
Also, does anyone know the air gap spec for the sensors? I was able to find it a few years back on shopkey, but can't seem to find it now

NVturbo

When it comes to DC voltage, polarity does matter. Find out which wire is which before you possibly ruin an ignitor.

motoxxxman

I don't know how wiring a distributor sensor wrong could damage an ignited, as the signal passes through the ecu first, then the ignited. Damage to the ecu I suppose is possible, but unlikely.

motoxxxman

So I figured out an easy way to tell the correct polarity, accidentally lol. And yes, polarity does matter apparently. Got the new distributor finished, started it up and immediately got a code 9. De-pinned the connector and switched the wires for the CYP sensor, cleared the code, fired it up again, and no codes. Good as new.

Also got the air gap spec: 0.010"-0.020"

NVturbo

nobody listens.....lol

Told ya OP.

motoxxxman

I'm a stubborn a$$ at times, but I always listen. And learning is learning, even if it's the hard way lol

NVturbo

It's all good man. When it comes to sensors, you cannot cross the wires. One is usually power input while other is signal output to the ECU or gauge cluster. You go lucky nothing major (or expensive ) was damaged.