I need to replace the distributor on my '99 Accord EX 4-cyl and a few places have asked if it has a Hitachi or TEC. I replaced the cap and rotor a couple of years ago and encountered this then so the parts place had both and one was noticeably taller than the other. Measured them, measured mine, and figured out which it was. Don't remember that minor detail now though !! I do have the receipt, but I'm at work and it's in the glove box of the car at home.... I could check later but how does this difference impact my car ?

Rockauto and Advance Auto don't appear to differentiate them. Two of the independent parts shops as well as Autozone either ask or list them both. Autozone and one of the local shops both happen to stock the Hitachi making me think it's the more common one. If it makes a difference, my Accord was built in Japan.

New distributors come with a new cap and rotor, so no worries about matching them up. What else is involved ?

 

Majestic Honda online parts catalog says Hitachi distributor.

good luck

 

The Hitachi-design was correct. Replaced it and all is well again*. Turns out the oil leak that I hadn't fully determined where it was coming from was resolved at the same time. I presume it was either the shaft o-ring or the rubber "washer" on the distributor because there's no surface gasket between the distributor and the block.

* After I reconnected the wiring harness/plug !!