you don't have to remove the cap but it comes off pretty easy then you don't have to disconnect your spark plug wires

 

You don't need to remove the cap, but you should. You want to note which way the rotor is pointing, so you eliminate the posibility of installing the shaft turned 180 degrees.

The key is offset to prevent that from happening, but you might as well eliminate that possibility.

 

That makes sense. Plus, once the capis off, I can hopefully see if there is oil inside the cap and causing any damage. If so, it sounds like a new distributor is needed. Is there a seal or anything I need to worry about when I remove the cap? Thanks for the advice!

 

you can remove the distributor cap without replacing it, there's no seal for it either.... if it hasn't been replaced in a long time I'd buy one (they're like $15.00...) otherwise just use the one you have...

 

Thanks for all the advice. I plan to do this tomorrow. So, I 'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

 

I think that there is a large o-ring that sits a groove that goes around the distributor housing. It is there to keep water out. It doesn't need to be replaced when removing the cap. The o-ring has two tabs that keep it 'locked' on the distributor. Check the contacts in the distributor cap to make sure that they aren't worn out. Check the rotor contact as well for damage.

 

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I replaced the o-ring today with no problems. The old one was flat and very hard. It broke when I removed it, so I am pretty sure that was my problem. There was no oil under the cap. It actually took me longer to find the socket I dropped than to change the o-ring. I haven't driven very far, but so far so good with no oil leaking. Thanks again!!

By the way, I took my Accord up to the dealer at about 106,000 (I have 127,000 on it now) to have the oil changed. I had a coupon for a $9.95 oil change. When I dropped it off, they said Honda will do a free oil change and put an ignition kit in for free once you hit 100,000 miles. The kit included plug wires, rotor and dist. cap. I thought that was really cool.