Today I replaced the starter in my 1996 Accord EX (2.2L). In doing so, I also removed the distributor to get easier access to the starter (including taking the cap/rotor off the distributor). Now the car turns over, but won't start - it sounds like it is out of gas, which it isn't. Do I maybe have the rotor 180* from where it should be?

 

you may have switched the wires around, rotor is designed in such a way that the shaft that drives id is "D" shaped as is the rotor base also there should only be a screw hole in one side of the rotor and shaft

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firing order diagram^^^

 

I didn't take the plug wires off the cap....

 

Oh, well that's peculiar. Is is possible a wire within the distributor was disconnected in the process

 

Can you verify that you are getting spark? If not, yes recheck your work.

If you are, then I would rotate the engine to TDC #1. Remove dist cap and verify the rotor is pointing to #1 on the cap.

 

Now I've really got problems! Pulled the distributor out today, and found the coupling laying in the head - in two pieces!
Worse yet, I didn't see the pin retainer or thrust washer. maybe I'll stick a magnet in and fish around for them.

Can you buy just the coupling, and not have to buy a whole new distributor?

 

I may have to pull the camshaft/rocker arm assy to allow thorough examination. Hopefully you can retrieve w/ magnet.

May be a case of 180 degree misalignment again as the places stress on the distributor key which broke.

I can definitely vouch that this phubar is easy enough to do. I've managed the trick twice!

good luck

 

Thanks, I'm pretty sure it was a case of 180* out. Can you buy just the coupling/retainer, or do you have to buy the whole distributor? I just priced them - YIKES!

 

Check ebay, amazon, rockauto for rebuilt prices. ebay and car-part.com are good sources for used.

You can find used for $30-40 and salvage part you need to repair yours. I don't think you can buy the part you need. Make sure part is re-installable w/o disassembling distributor. i seem to remember that part may only come off shaft from top end which will require lots' of effort to repair.

good luck