@farmall1938 cause i'm a pro mechanic and my fixes have to stay fixed. Dists wear out inside many ways, replacing just the module may fix it for a short time, but other things will break soon after and you're back to square one. Not with a new dist though.
@scottykilmer Has happened to me before and I'd rather it be done properly than be stranded and have to pay another labor bill and not have your car again for a while.
@mi16t AH, read some of my other advice, only Certain chinese parts. I've had great luck with chinese brand new japanese car distributors. But as for stuff like MAF sensors for German cars, they work like crap on those. Nothing is as simple as you might think. Most American cars come with lots of chinese made parts on them from the factory if you check closely these days.
Hi Scott! I like your channel becaues I see you answering people all the time and I wanted to support your channel! But I had a question, my sister's 99 Camry 2.2 died the other day, I looked through your video with something like "Car will not start, etc. etc." and we found out that the fuel pump was too worn out and died. After replacing it, it's still not starting? We used your testing-ways, there's spark, starter is positive for testing, etc. but it's still not starting? What's wrong?
@lajlijthoj on those camrys,generally only either the distributor goes bad or the fuel pump. if you now have fuel I would question the distributor. But of course, check to make sure the timing belt hasn't broken or jumped timing, cause that will kill it too.
Thanks a bunch! One of my buddy said it might have been the timing belt too and that it might've "retarded" itself if that's the term people are using now a days. I should mention they were driving and the car started giving out and when they stopped the car died...so how would I test the distributor since my friend will be checking the timing chain?
I just tested all the plugs the way you did, and they all fire, but there's obvious misfire when they all fire...does this mean the distributor is bad and I have to replace it? Btw it was also a weird looking distributor versus my 91 Celica with the same motor? It was two pieces and had sensory plugs also, are those just the caps? Or the whole distributor itself?
Lol I don't watch you vids cuz I need I help I watch em cuz they r informational, question tho, you said buy the Chinese made one or the manufacture one?
Great vid Scotty! For everyone else, take a look at the cap and rotor too. The Honda I fixed had corroded contacts on the cap and rotor causing hard starts. Cheap parts to replace. I was surprised to find points on a '99 but I guess they only need service every 130k.
(please answer no one can tell me why) hi i have a probe ford 1997 and it as a blowen head thats getting replace soon and ever since i washed it been giving me problems had its fix now but for some reason when i driving it dies turning corners or stop signs but after ramping up my rpms and driving for about 10 mins its stops whats going on?
@SmexyfulPandaBear maybe you should look into getting the head and block milled i blew a head gasket and not even a week later it blew again only because i didnt get the block milled i learned a lesson that i already knew "do it right the first time so you dont have to do it again"
@xXxchipperchopperxXx i got it fixed the white smoke and power lost was a bad cylinder and i had a missing part on top of that then also the block it self had a crack i got all of it fixed for 938 dollars it runs now like its brand new it smoked for a week then stoped i also notice since they did that my tranny is not sliping any more <.<
@pdgeman I am a professional mechanic, and do not like fixing cars band aid style. On something that old, the whole dist gets worn, I put in a brand new chinese made unit, and NEVER get returns that way, keeping customers happy.
@scottykilmer yeah but did you ask the client what they wanted? and what there options would be? i always give my clients there options and pros and cons.
Hey I have a quick question do you know why I've had to change the distributor of my car 3 times in 2 weeks.. What could be making the Distributor die out like that?
@deathwishrecords if you're buying crappy rebuilts or using junk yard dists, then that's the problem. See that all the time. I only use brand new ones
also when i changed the cap there was an orange dust in the dist something like rust in dust form? first import ive had to encounter so thanks for any help
Hey scotty ive been workin on a 94 accord ex for a few weeks now. Theres fuel and spark...orange spark coming from the spark plug wires. Changed battery cables, cap, rotor, and spark plug wires. Still the same problem. Sometimes it will crank stronv sometimes slowly. Could it be the distributor and/or battery?
@scottykilmer Hi Scotty, i recently washed my engine on my 93' honda prelude sr 5 spd, covered distributor and air intake with a plastic bag but forgot to cover the alternator. It was cranking, but wouldnt start, now it doesnt crank but makes "clicking" noise from the engine. Whats the problem and how much would it cost? thanks in advance
p.s. the car isnt insured and has been parked for about 2 years but i start it and let it run every week.
hey scotty, my 94 nissan altima cranks but wont start? theres a brand new battery, alternator, spark plugs an wires, fuel pump relay is good an fuel pump as well... the distributor cap looks good.... is it just a bad distributor? please give me your suggestions an opinions on this??? thanks
I replaced the distributor and i am still getting the same result. the orientation of the rotor was in the right direction (i don't have a timing gun, but i made sure it was pointing the same way it was when i took it out)
I am getting spark now though. I don't know if the spark is good enough or not. what do i do next?
Tomorrow I am replacing my distributor since I am not getting spark. Being that I just replaced the distributor only a month ago, should I also replace the spark plugs and the spark plug wires this time? Can the car crank and not start like in the video if my plugs are bad and the wires and bad? Last question- when I put the new distributor in, if the rotor is facting the general correct direction is that good enough? or is there a way to make sure it is precisely in the right direction?
@mountpunchmore na, just the dist. After you get it running, you use a timing light to make it perfect. honda dists only go in one way, they are off center, so you will be close first time.
@scottykilmer ... p.s. the rhythm of the crank when i turn the key is a little bit unusual. it has an awkward skip to it that is normally not the sound when it does fire up... that might be worth mentioning.
@scottykilmer ok. i'll replace the distributor again... is there anything that might be causing my distributor to go bad? or just unlucky bad/faulty distributor?
@scottykilmer ok. i'll replace the distributor again... is there anything that might be causing my distributor to go bad? or just unlucky bad/faulty distributor?
My friends old 95 civic had this problem. However it was just the cap. 5 different ppl looked at it and they completely missed the cap arching, it was one of the aftermarket clear ones. Took me one look to find the problem. My initial thought was that the rubber seal was missing and made the contacts corrode, and cause arching, or would the poor material for the aftermarket part cause the problem. What are your thoughts?
@LazySniper poor aftermarket parts, all caps have vents built in anyway so missing seal means squat unless you live near the ocean with salt water spray getting in.
@scottykilmer Thanks, turns out the distributors fine. Need a timing belt and much more work than we expected. Its awesome you respond so quick, keep on keepn on.
hey scotty. I had a brand new distributor in my car a month ago and it solved the problem. today the problem came back. brand new distributor and a month later it cranks but doesn't fire... starting fluid did not help. it seems like it happens when its cold more than any other time... any ideas?
@scottykilmer it was brand new made by world power systems premium quality.
I cleaned my battery posts because i had some corrosion, and charged the battery up it improved the quality of the turn, but still would not fire up. I don't know much about batteries, but I do suspect it could be bad, but I get the feeling bad battery or not, this is the distributor. Why else would I have no problems for a whole month after replacing distributor? Now I gotta deal with manufacturer. =( 2 days too late.
@mountpunchmore yea, I've seen them break after that time, even brand new ones. Face it, many things are made like crap these days. I've gotten new stuff that broke in a day or two. Scotty
hey Scotty, my 98 Honda accord V6 cranks but does not start SOMETIMES. Also it dies SOMETIMES in the middle of traffic. There is no CEL. I put new spark plugs in it but that didn't solve the problem. Each spark plug is firing. Fuel pump is ok according to dealership. When I spray starting fluid in the intake airway, it starts and stays on. What should I check next? Can ignition switch cause this problem? Thx
@adomayor when it doesn't start, watch my video "fixing a car that cranks but doesn't start up" and do all that. Often a bad distributor in those though. Scotty
SO i had a question. what kind of tools should i buy if i going to work on cars because i bought a habor frieght tools set when i was change my brakes and the metal split! so if you could help me here that would be greatly appreciated
hey scotty! First i wana thank yu for all of the informative videos and info you supply for us novice gear heads. :) but i have a question for you i just bought a honda civic from a friend of mine and it seems to like to die on me while im driving( at red lights mostly) but i will be driving and will feel the car start to jolt. im thinking thats the engine wanting to die but usually shortly after the jolting starts it will die randomly, driving or idle. and it wont start for about 30 mins
@dethklok21 PART 2 : I tried the screwdriver in the plug wire trick to see if i get spark and its a dud no spark. my real question is would a dizzy do this? work fine for about 5-10 mins then start to act up then eventually not work at all thennn work after it sits (cools down) just strange to me that it works dies (seemingly fixes its self) and works again later -.- i am gettin g frustrated with this issue any info is very much apperciated. ty!!
okay scotty... i broke down and sent my car into a shop because i simply did not have anymore time to predict when my car would or wouldn't start up... and you were right. it was the distributor. both you, and my gut told me it was. You're the man. you need to sell t-shirts or somethin... i'd buy one.
okay. I went and got a spark plug tester and a circuit tester and the result is that I AM GETTING spark. I checked all of the spark plug wires and they're all getting spark. The circuit tester lights up when placed on my distributor but some spots i touch don't light up the bulb. Then, as I was testing out the spark I was able to start the car again for the first time in a week. Now it is starting. Why is it so inconsistent? Does this rule out my distributor? I am getting spark. HELP!!!
@mountpunchmore na, dists go out all the time in those, and if you have no spark but now do, it may not be sparking at the right sequence, which you can't measure. Spark and then no spark is often a wearingt out dist. Scotty
@scottykilmer Okay. I had spark even before it fired up today when it was colder. Since the car fired up I took it to advanced auto. The free check engine diagnostic came up as follows:
P0420 CATCIST SYSTEM bank?1
P0300 MULTI RANDOM MISFIRE
P0453 EVAP PRESSURE SWITCH
SYSTEM HIGH
I'm told the first 2 are possibilities. One thing I failed to add was that my coolant temp sensor doesn't work. Never has since I bought it. I'm told the coolant temp sensor related to the computer could be an issue.
@mountpunchmore I'm going to try the distributor. Best price I can find it new is for $200.00. Would it be worth it to buy a used one? I can get one for 25 bucks if I pull the part myself from a yard. Is that looking like the best price I can get? Please let me know if the codes in last comment give you any new insight. And I greatly appreciate all that you're doing for me and all of us.
@mountpunchmore I check Ebay and other auto parts places.....yards are ok,but if it goes out again you got the same problem with a used one.....worth a try tho.......i like to know where to get a China made one(cheaper) but like most name brands they come from china also?
Hi Scotty, I'm having problem with my 95 civic. When the key is in the 'On" position, the dashboard doesn't light up. Check engine light doesn't come on, break light, or normal beeping when the key is the "On" position II. I changed the distributor(brand new) and battery because the car died on the road. Now I can't start the car.
Hey Scotty I have a 97 Honda accord 4 cylinder and I seem to have a oil leak coming from or around the distributer and was wondering if it is in fact the distributer or something else and what suggestions you might have to fix it. Thank you
@Snakecharmer21xx replace the o ring that seals the dist shaft, you pull the dist out to change that. Then pray it's not the inside seal of the dist, as you would have to replace the dist for that. Scotty
Scotty i have a 1992 f150 and every time i use it it takes to long to fire up, i changed the spark plugs and the ignition wires on it but still has the same problem what my be causing this a bad distributor ?
@PabloMessier Many things can cause hard start, but normally it's dirty fuel injectors or weak pumps. Try my video "how to clean fuel injectors in your car" and do that first. Scotty
@thus007 Ah, but I'm a professional mechanic, and bad aiding an old worn out distributor with one part is not smart business. It will break again, and probably in a few months. I use brand new dists from china that are cost effective and last many years when I change em. Scotty
@meetcowmeat you check the wires going into the distributor to see if one of them gets power when the key is on, and no power when you shut the key off. Scotty
@scottykilmer ok thanks, but when I replace my old distributor with a new distributor, my car still doesn't spark. do you have any other tips for me??
@meetcowmeat if the main power relay is bad, you will have no spark, check that. But be SURE it's a new dist and not a rebuilt one. Often the rebuilts are bad out of the box. Scotty
why change the whole thing ??? why dont show me how to check the coil, and module ??? and im sure it was the module on this car , and what was the point of marking the new one, when you didnt even match the mark with the old one ?
@camshaftcarb69 because they break down many ways and a brand new distributor will last for years. I'm a mechanic, and have to stand behind my work for a LONG time. I don't want come backs. I used to fix em, and in hondas, they kept coming back. buy a rebuilt distributor for a honda and you'll keep changing em as they break down over and over again. Scotty
@HennessyLane1 I rarely buy auto parts on line, too big a hassle returning them and waiting for days or weeks. Most places sell the chinese made new dists, just call around. Scotty
if the distributor has power, than why are you replacing it? Also, what will happen if you forget to make your distributor. I removed my from my 90 firebird, and forget to mark it. thanks
@sherrytucker if it has power to the dist, but no spark coming out in a Honda, that means the inside of the dist is shot. If you don't mark em, now buy a manual that shows how to set up TDC on your engine and how to put the dist back in at top dead center. Scotty
I have a 2000 chevy s10 2.2 liter and when I try to get to highway speeds the throttle is jerky and it cuts off it doesn't do it on a full tank only half or less it has a new fuel pump new fuel filter new air filter and only 62000 miles any suggestions already spent 788 bucks
@popeye4213 that's a fuel related problem, either a crappy pump OR it was put in wrong and the feed lines are loose or have fallen off. It sucks fuel from the bottom of the tank when the lines are on right, but when the lines are loose or off, it only works right when a lot of gas is in the tank. See that a lot in botched jobs. Scotty
I forgot to mention, the Speedometer and odometer do not work on my 98 accord LX. The temp gauge and rpm gauge do. Is there a way I can fix it or specific fuse I check?
The ground wire from the transmission is missing, would that cause the problem?
i have a 1992 honda prelude . it died when i was driving it . at frist i thought it was my timing belt . so i took the cover off and the belt is fine . but i seen that the timing belt dont move . the car cranks but dont start . i thank its my distributor . ????
Hey Scotty, I have a 98 Accord. It idles at 3 k rpm is thee a way to lower the idle? I have a turbo on it and i know for a fact I have tiny boost leaks. Also, I have the check engine light, I looked it up and it is the TPS. Do these things have to do with eachothers problems?
94 Honda 2.2L accord died on the highway. Was told by mechanic that it was a bad distributor. (lack of spark) I swapped out the distributor, rotor, cap, plug wires and plugs. (it was due anyways..)It still refuses to start or spark.The mechanic told me it DOES have fuel pressure. (so no main relay issue?)The car does have fuel.The car does crank but won't start. So does this sound more like a timing belt that may have broken?I would think they checked that.
oh thank god for you Scotty you are awesome awesome awesome!!!! THANK YOU hey maybe you should move down to Florida and be my mechanic with all this money going to Honda id rather it go to you!!!!!!! if ya want me too ill keep ya updated.
OK its 8:00 am here now i left that post around 3am they said they already replaced the dis cap i think they may be lying though but not sureiforgot to mention when it first happed it made a back fire sound like a pop out of the exhaust? But the second time last night it didntbefore they put this newer engine in i had problems with the stalling but never that sound and also, i made it to drop my kid of at school and made it back car ran great like brand new like it supposed engine has 78,000
@kwinters26 who knows with used engines? It's all just guesswork and they lie like dogs about mileage. But when the dists go bad, they will often pop. Scotty
OK i just had an engine put in my car 99 accord.. Ive had problems since Ive bought the darn thing Ive had a Honda before with no problems but this one is driving me nuts and Ive already spent thousands and thousands getting it fixed anyways got the engine in 3 days ago and was driving to Orlando and it just shut down!! but i kept cranking it and it started up about 5 minutes later we got there and back, today we drove it right down the road about 5 minutes and the same thing??? HELP!!!!
@kwinters26 those are notorious for bad distributors. When it dies, quick check for spark at the spark plugs, and if you have none, replace the distributor. Scotty
hey Scotty thanks a lot for your answer to my question it was really a problem with my fuel pump and i already had it fixed. my car is running good again you're really awesome.....you're the MAN.......!
good stuff !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..................so i guess ill be lookin for some hondas that dont start for cheap didnt know hondas did this scotty what years were they know for this and when did they fix it i know im def gettin one of those spark plug checkers!!!!!!!!!
hey scotty i'm driving my car for low gears especially going uphill and when i hit the gas from 30 up for about 3-5 mins or so it suddenly slows down?...please help tnx?
@afijas tons of things can do that, so change the fuel filter first and then check the fuel pressure, if it's low then replace the fuel pump. then pray it's not more complex. Scotty
Hey Scottie, I am having big problem with my car. My car will start, but dies when the motor gets warm. Even when driving, it will die no matter what the speed will be, but the car will start again. This happens often. I have replaced the distributor and still having the same symptoms. My car is reading code 15 which is a hidden code that I just took out. I have new spark plugs and yes the car have sparks. Please help me.
hi scotty, i have a 1992 acura integra ls (5 speed) i recently changed the fuel filter, spark plugs and wires. i drove it one day and it just died on the road while i was going about 50. now it refuses to start, or it will start and stall after a few minutes. i ordered a main relay for it and will be putting it in later today. do you think my distributor is the cause for my car stalling or having problems starting? a mechanic checked my distributor and said it was fine (no build up + coil good)
Scotty, Im a bit confused, you said to mark the distributor so you can install the new part in the same place, but you then said it can only be installed one way, so why mark it if it can be installed one way??? You cant mess it up then.
Subscribed! Found ya by snooping though EricTheCarGuy's favorites lol. Even though we do have a 96 Accord with 86k miles, we keep it garaged. My main ride is a 2000 GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition but still love these automotive DIY videos.
Scotty if the main relay went out would it also give you this problem of no spark? I ask because I once had car that looked like it had a bad distributor but, it turned out to be a relay. How would you eliminate the relay as the cause of the problem?
@moofushu Yes, it can, but not in this case. This Honda died while driving 50 mph , and the relay will only keep it from being started, once it's started it can't kill a Honda. PLUS, you would lose both spark and fuel injection pulse. so check both of those IF you suspect a Honda that won't start. Scotty
@lodhimudasar If the actual pedal makes noise, lubricate it, the metal springs can make noise. If it's the brake pads, check them. If they are not worn out, just live with it, it means nothing then. Soctty
Hey Scotty. I have a 95 Honda Civic... I have a question about start up problems... a "mechanic" changed my spark plugs but then I started to have start up problems... my car would not start so I loosened the spark plug just a little and now it works... but now I have to carry a tool in my car just in case the vibrations really loosen it up. The mechanic said he had to re-thread... but when I tried to loosed the other plugs I got spinners! Would you recommend using spark plug extenders?
Dear scotty, i think all your videos are very helpful but i got a major problem, i have a 1994 honda accord dx and i cant seem to find the problem about my right tail light i mean when i step on the brake pedal it doesnt lights up, it lights up only when i turn on the light switch and i get a sign that shows brake lamp, i need to fix it really fast im on my way to the airport next week,if you can help me out i would really appreciated it thanx
ignition timing does it mean something to you?
oORaveNOo 3 days ago
@oORaveNOo that's where you turn the distributor to get the plugs to fire at the right time, using a timing light.
scottykilmer 3 days ago
....Why not just change the inner module for way less money ???
farmall1938 1 week ago
@farmall1938 cause i'm a pro mechanic and my fixes have to stay fixed. Dists wear out inside many ways, replacing just the module may fix it for a short time, but other things will break soon after and you're back to square one. Not with a new dist though.
scottykilmer 1 week ago
@scottykilmer Has happened to me before and I'd rather it be done properly than be stranded and have to pay another labor bill and not have your car again for a while.
Riot454di 1 day ago
You advice to use chinese parts, and all respect is lost, blocking your videos on account of poor advice
mi16t 1 week ago
@mi16t AH, read some of my other advice, only Certain chinese parts. I've had great luck with chinese brand new japanese car distributors. But as for stuff like MAF sensors for German cars, they work like crap on those. Nothing is as simple as you might think. Most American cars come with lots of chinese made parts on them from the factory if you check closely these days.
scottykilmer 1 week ago 5
@mi16t the god dam cars chinese...
arch3rkid0 1 week ago
Hi Scott! I like your channel becaues I see you answering people all the time and I wanted to support your channel! But I had a question, my sister's 99 Camry 2.2 died the other day, I looked through your video with something like "Car will not start, etc. etc." and we found out that the fuel pump was too worn out and died. After replacing it, it's still not starting? We used your testing-ways, there's spark, starter is positive for testing, etc. but it's still not starting? What's wrong?
lajlijthoj 2 weeks ago
@lajlijthoj on those camrys,generally only either the distributor goes bad or the fuel pump. if you now have fuel I would question the distributor. But of course, check to make sure the timing belt hasn't broken or jumped timing, cause that will kill it too.
scottykilmer 2 weeks ago
@scottykilmer
Thanks a bunch! One of my buddy said it might have been the timing belt too and that it might've "retarded" itself if that's the term people are using now a days. I should mention they were driving and the car started giving out and when they stopped the car died...so how would I test the distributor since my friend will be checking the timing chain?
lajlijthoj 2 weeks ago
@lajlijthoj if the dist has power going into it when you turn the key on, but no spark comes out to the spark plugs, the dist is bad.
scottykilmer 2 weeks ago
@scottykilmer
I just tested all the plugs the way you did, and they all fire, but there's obvious misfire when they all fire...does this mean the distributor is bad and I have to replace it? Btw it was also a weird looking distributor versus my 91 Celica with the same motor? It was two pieces and had sensory plugs also, are those just the caps? Or the whole distributor itself?
lajlijthoj 1 week ago
@lajlijthoj I'd change the whole dist out with a new one.
scottykilmer 1 week ago
are used distributers iffy like used a/c compressors?
mds2465 3 weeks ago
@mds2465 Yes , especially on hondas as they break all the time
scottykilmer 3 weeks ago
Lol I don't watch you vids cuz I need I help I watch em cuz they r informational, question tho, you said buy the Chinese made one or the manufacture one?
ShortyzProductionz 3 weeks ago
@ShortyzProductionz chinese made.
scottykilmer 3 weeks ago
Damnn u good sir
joecruzful 3 weeks ago
Thats one dirty ass engine bay.
BigDirtyBasterd 1 month ago
@BigDirtyBasterd ah, who cares? It's a dirty world.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
Great vid Scotty! For everyone else, take a look at the cap and rotor too. The Honda I fixed had corroded contacts on the cap and rotor causing hard starts. Cheap parts to replace. I was surprised to find points on a '99 but I guess they only need service every 130k.
gurbasic 1 month ago
(please answer no one can tell me why) hi i have a probe ford 1997 and it as a blowen head thats getting replace soon and ever since i washed it been giving me problems had its fix now but for some reason when i driving it dies turning corners or stop signs but after ramping up my rpms and driving for about 10 mins its stops whats going on?
SmexyfulPandaBear 1 month ago
@SmexyfulPandaBear that's cause the head or gasket is blowing, all kinds of weird running will happen until it won't even run at all. fix it.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
@SmexyfulPandaBear maybe you should look into getting the head and block milled i blew a head gasket and not even a week later it blew again only because i didnt get the block milled i learned a lesson that i already knew "do it right the first time so you dont have to do it again"
xXxchipperchopperxXx 1 month ago
@xXxchipperchopperxXx i got it fixed the white smoke and power lost was a bad cylinder and i had a missing part on top of that then also the block it self had a crack i got all of it fixed for 938 dollars it runs now like its brand new it smoked for a week then stoped i also notice since they did that my tranny is not sliping any more <.<
SmexyfulPandaBear 3 weeks ago
You are using the test light one connected to ground other to where ?. To make the test light on.
Thanks
khonglap 1 month ago
@khonglap one end on ground, the other on positive power, doesn't matter which end as long as the circuit is complete.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
Ignition control module is A LOT cheaper, and was probably what was wrong.
pdgeman 1 month ago 3
@pdgeman I am a professional mechanic, and do not like fixing cars band aid style. On something that old, the whole dist gets worn, I put in a brand new chinese made unit, and NEVER get returns that way, keeping customers happy.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
@scottykilmer yeah but did you ask the client what they wanted? and what there options would be? i always give my clients there options and pros and cons.
chrisnjenny100407 1 month ago
@pdgeman i agree
coffinsquatter 1 month ago
Scotty I removed my distributor I didn't mark it like u did but I remember the position of the rotor is that ok?
Bloky101 1 month ago
Hey I have a quick question do you know why I've had to change the distributor of my car 3 times in 2 weeks.. What could be making the Distributor die out like that?
deathwishrecords 1 month ago
@deathwishrecords if you're buying crappy rebuilts or using junk yard dists, then that's the problem. See that all the time. I only use brand new ones
scottykilmer 1 month ago
I'm pretty sure that's a pretty unreliable way to ensure ignition timing. Correct way would be to use a timing light...
monono954 1 month ago 8
@monono954 it gets very close if you're careful, and of course finish with a timing light, cheap ones only cost 20 bucks.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
you think the battery could have anything to do with the weak spark? or is it the distributors fault?
chavagarza2005 1 month ago
@chavagarza2005 of course you need a full battery to run electronics, always check that first, and pray that's just it. but normally it's dist.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
also when i changed the cap there was an orange dust in the dist something like rust in dust form? first import ive had to encounter so thanks for any help
chavagarza2005 1 month ago
@chavagarza2005 you nee a new distributor, it's breaking down inside, that's the dust, worn metal parts.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
Hey scotty ive been workin on a 94 accord ex for a few weeks now. Theres fuel and spark...orange spark coming from the spark plug wires. Changed battery cables, cap, rotor, and spark plug wires. Still the same problem. Sometimes it will crank stronv sometimes slowly. Could it be the distributor and/or battery?
chavagarza2005 1 month ago
Spark plug wire missing at 0:24 ...lol
chrisu90 2 months ago
The problem could have been the coil, which is way cheaper than replacing the whole dist. with a power probe you can diagnose the pulse.
congabuena 2 months ago
@scottykilmer Hi Scotty, i recently washed my engine on my 93' honda prelude sr 5 spd, covered distributor and air intake with a plastic bag but forgot to cover the alternator. It was cranking, but wouldnt start, now it doesnt crank but makes "clicking" noise from the engine. Whats the problem and how much would it cost? thanks in advance
p.s. the car isnt insured and has been parked for about 2 years but i start it and let it run every week.
jb455 2 months ago
@jb455 ah, should have watch my video "Bad things not to do to your car", I tell NEVER to wash em. You got something wet, try the starter first.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
hey scotty, my 94 nissan altima cranks but wont start? theres a brand new battery, alternator, spark plugs an wires, fuel pump relay is good an fuel pump as well... the distributor cap looks good.... is it just a bad distributor? please give me your suggestions an opinions on this??? thanks
joedizzy81 2 months ago
@joedizzy81 99 percent of the time a bad dist on that thing, check for spark , it it's gone, change the dist.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
I replaced the distributor and i am still getting the same result. the orientation of the rotor was in the right direction (i don't have a timing gun, but i made sure it was pointing the same way it was when i took it out)
I am getting spark now though. I don't know if the spark is good enough or not. what do i do next?
mountpunchmore 2 months ago
@mountpunchmore my spark plug wires are good. could it be my timing belt??
mountpunchmore 2 months ago
Tomorrow I am replacing my distributor since I am not getting spark. Being that I just replaced the distributor only a month ago, should I also replace the spark plugs and the spark plug wires this time? Can the car crank and not start like in the video if my plugs are bad and the wires and bad? Last question- when I put the new distributor in, if the rotor is facting the general correct direction is that good enough? or is there a way to make sure it is precisely in the right direction?
mountpunchmore 2 months ago
@mountpunchmore na, just the dist. After you get it running, you use a timing light to make it perfect. honda dists only go in one way, they are off center, so you will be close first time.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
@scottykilmer ... p.s. the rhythm of the crank when i turn the key is a little bit unusual. it has an awkward skip to it that is normally not the sound when it does fire up... that might be worth mentioning.
mountpunchmore 2 months ago
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@scottykilmer ok. i'll replace the distributor again... is there anything that might be causing my distributor to go bad? or just unlucky bad/faulty distributor?
mountpunchmore 2 months ago
@scottykilmer ok. i'll replace the distributor again... is there anything that might be causing my distributor to go bad? or just unlucky bad/faulty distributor?
mountpunchmore 2 months ago
@mountpunchmore generally just bad luck in those.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
My friends old 95 civic had this problem. However it was just the cap. 5 different ppl looked at it and they completely missed the cap arching, it was one of the aftermarket clear ones. Took me one look to find the problem. My initial thought was that the rubber seal was missing and made the contacts corrode, and cause arching, or would the poor material for the aftermarket part cause the problem. What are your thoughts?
LazySniper 2 months ago
@LazySniper poor aftermarket parts, all caps have vents built in anyway so missing seal means squat unless you live near the ocean with salt water spray getting in.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
@scottykilmer thanks scotty, i thought it was just crappy aftermarket parts. next time i'll tell him to use OEM parts.
LazySniper 2 months ago
where can a gy get one of those cheaper chinese distributors?
gregmac101087 2 months ago
@gregmac101087 any auto parts store can order them, or use 713 227 1544
scottykilmer 2 months ago
@scottykilmer Thanks, turns out the distributors fine. Need a timing belt and much more work than we expected. Its awesome you respond so quick, keep on keepn on.
gregmac101087 2 months ago
hey scotty. I had a brand new distributor in my car a month ago and it solved the problem. today the problem came back. brand new distributor and a month later it cranks but doesn't fire... starting fluid did not help. it seems like it happens when its cold more than any other time... any ideas?
mountpunchmore 2 months ago
@mountpunchmore Ah, was it brand new? cause rebuilt ones often do that. But if it was brand new, they do also go bad once in a while.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
@scottykilmer it was brand new made by world power systems premium quality.
I cleaned my battery posts because i had some corrosion, and charged the battery up it improved the quality of the turn, but still would not fire up. I don't know much about batteries, but I do suspect it could be bad, but I get the feeling bad battery or not, this is the distributor. Why else would I have no problems for a whole month after replacing distributor? Now I gotta deal with manufacturer. =( 2 days too late.
mountpunchmore 2 months ago
@mountpunchmore yea, I've seen them break after that time, even brand new ones. Face it, many things are made like crap these days. I've gotten new stuff that broke in a day or two. Scotty
scottykilmer 2 months ago
hey its not only fords that are found dead on the road
mystiqueman366 2 months ago
hey Scotty, my 98 Honda accord V6 cranks but does not start SOMETIMES. Also it dies SOMETIMES in the middle of traffic. There is no CEL. I put new spark plugs in it but that didn't solve the problem. Each spark plug is firing. Fuel pump is ok according to dealership. When I spray starting fluid in the intake airway, it starts and stays on. What should I check next? Can ignition switch cause this problem? Thx
adomayor 2 months ago
@adomayor when it doesn't start, watch my video "fixing a car that cranks but doesn't start up" and do all that. Often a bad distributor in those though. Scotty
scottykilmer 2 months ago
SO i had a question. what kind of tools should i buy if i going to work on cars because i bought a habor frieght tools set when i was change my brakes and the metal split! so if you could help me here that would be greatly appreciated
TheRedneckCowboys 2 months ago
hey scotty! First i wana thank yu for all of the informative videos and info you supply for us novice gear heads. :) but i have a question for you i just bought a honda civic from a friend of mine and it seems to like to die on me while im driving( at red lights mostly) but i will be driving and will feel the car start to jolt. im thinking thats the engine wanting to die but usually shortly after the jolting starts it will die randomly, driving or idle. and it wont start for about 30 mins
dethklok21 3 months ago
@dethklok21 PART 2 : I tried the screwdriver in the plug wire trick to see if i get spark and its a dud no spark. my real question is would a dizzy do this? work fine for about 5-10 mins then start to act up then eventually not work at all thennn work after it sits (cools down) just strange to me that it works dies (seemingly fixes its self) and works again later -.- i am gettin g frustrated with this issue any info is very much apperciated. ty!!
dethklok21 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
98 vw golf gl distributor replace is it easy for diy
hp11208 3 months ago
HEY SCOTTY NICE JOB
Vegas052 3 months ago
okay scotty... i broke down and sent my car into a shop because i simply did not have anymore time to predict when my car would or wouldn't start up... and you were right. it was the distributor. both you, and my gut told me it was. You're the man. you need to sell t-shirts or somethin... i'd buy one.
mountpunchmore 3 months ago
okay. I went and got a spark plug tester and a circuit tester and the result is that I AM GETTING spark. I checked all of the spark plug wires and they're all getting spark. The circuit tester lights up when placed on my distributor but some spots i touch don't light up the bulb. Then, as I was testing out the spark I was able to start the car again for the first time in a week. Now it is starting. Why is it so inconsistent? Does this rule out my distributor? I am getting spark. HELP!!!
mountpunchmore 3 months ago
@mountpunchmore Should I consider replacing the spark plugs?
mountpunchmore 3 months ago
@mountpunchmore na, dists go out all the time in those, and if you have no spark but now do, it may not be sparking at the right sequence, which you can't measure. Spark and then no spark is often a wearingt out dist. Scotty
scottykilmer 3 months ago
@scottykilmer Okay. I had spark even before it fired up today when it was colder. Since the car fired up I took it to advanced auto. The free check engine diagnostic came up as follows:
P0420 CATCIST SYSTEM bank?1
P0300 MULTI RANDOM MISFIRE
P0453 EVAP PRESSURE SWITCH
SYSTEM HIGH
I'm told the first 2 are possibilities. One thing I failed to add was that my coolant temp sensor doesn't work. Never has since I bought it. I'm told the coolant temp sensor related to the computer could be an issue.
mountpunchmore 3 months ago
@mountpunchmore I'm going to try the distributor. Best price I can find it new is for $200.00. Would it be worth it to buy a used one? I can get one for 25 bucks if I pull the part myself from a yard. Is that looking like the best price I can get? Please let me know if the codes in last comment give you any new insight. And I greatly appreciate all that you're doing for me and all of us.
mountpunchmore 3 months ago
@mountpunchmore I check Ebay and other auto parts places.....yards are ok,but if it goes out again you got the same problem with a used one.....worth a try tho.......i like to know where to get a China made one(cheaper) but like most name brands they come from china also?
jeepers2655 2 months ago
@mountpunchmore random misfire is often cause by bad dists, I'd start ther myself. the other codes won't keep it from starting. Scotty
scottykilmer 3 months ago
you know ur shit scotty ! respect
MrButterneo 3 months ago
thanks for all the videos scotty! it does really help.
choloenna 3 months ago
Just wondering, can this be the problem from the spark plugs wire?
340642 4 months ago
@340642 if can be, but more often it's a b ad distrib.scotty
scottykilmer 4 months ago
Where do you find Chines Honda parts
timmyvechett 4 months ago
@timmyvechett most auto parts now sell nothing but chinese made parts, it always says on the boxes by law. scotty
scottykilmer 4 months ago
Hi Scotty, I'm having problem with my 95 civic. When the key is in the 'On" position, the dashboard doesn't light up. Check engine light doesn't come on, break light, or normal beeping when the key is the "On" position II. I changed the distributor(brand new) and battery because the car died on the road. Now I can't start the car.
davshakes 4 months ago
@davshakes replace the ignition switch and Pray it's not a wiring problem more complex. Scotty
scottykilmer 4 months ago
@scottykilmer Thank you for replying. I replaced the ignition switch and my car is now running. You are the man!
davshakes 3 months ago
did you put the engine at top dead center or set the timing when you were done? i dont know if all cars have to have that done or not
nico27004 4 months ago
@nico27004 I set timing using a timing light on that thing. Scotty
scottykilmer 4 months ago
Hey Scotty I have a 97 Honda accord 4 cylinder and I seem to have a oil leak coming from or around the distributer and was wondering if it is in fact the distributer or something else and what suggestions you might have to fix it. Thank you
Snakecharmer21xx 5 months ago
@Snakecharmer21xx replace the o ring that seals the dist shaft, you pull the dist out to change that. Then pray it's not the inside seal of the dist, as you would have to replace the dist for that. Scotty
scottykilmer 5 months ago
it's a Honda, it just needs some vtec lovin. xD
maseraticrg 5 months ago
Scotty i have a 1992 f150 and every time i use it it takes to long to fire up, i changed the spark plugs and the ignition wires on it but still has the same problem what my be causing this a bad distributor ?
PabloMessier 5 months ago
@PabloMessier Many things can cause hard start, but normally it's dirty fuel injectors or weak pumps. Try my video "how to clean fuel injectors in your car" and do that first. Scotty
scottykilmer 5 months ago
im pretty sure further investigation would have found a specific problem, rather than changing the whole dizzy :S
thus007 6 months ago
@thus007 Ah, but I'm a professional mechanic, and bad aiding an old worn out distributor with one part is not smart business. It will break again, and probably in a few months. I use brand new dists from china that are cost effective and last many years when I change em. Scotty
scottykilmer 6 months ago
not sure why you replaced the entire dizzy..normally the coil fails and thats only a $70-80 part for genuine honda coil.
calk87 6 months ago
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calk87 6 months ago
Scotty i hook up the tester to the neg or pos terminal
hp11208 7 months ago
@hp11208 doesn't matter, power flows either way. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
What part of the distributor did you check for the test light?
meetcowmeat 7 months ago
@meetcowmeat you check the wires going into the distributor to see if one of them gets power when the key is on, and no power when you shut the key off. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
@scottykilmer ok thanks, but when I replace my old distributor with a new distributor, my car still doesn't spark. do you have any other tips for me??
meetcowmeat 7 months ago
@meetcowmeat if the main power relay is bad, you will have no spark, check that. But be SURE it's a new dist and not a rebuilt one. Often the rebuilts are bad out of the box. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
@scottykilmer ok thank you very much scotty
meetcowmeat 7 months ago
why change the whole thing ??? why dont show me how to check the coil, and module ??? and im sure it was the module on this car , and what was the point of marking the new one, when you didnt even match the mark with the old one ?
camshaftcarb69 7 months ago
@camshaftcarb69 because they break down many ways and a brand new distributor will last for years. I'm a mechanic, and have to stand behind my work for a LONG time. I don't want come backs. I used to fix em, and in hondas, they kept coming back. buy a rebuilt distributor for a honda and you'll keep changing em as they break down over and over again. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
Hey do u have a site to order the cheaper distributors??
HennessyLane1 7 months ago
@HennessyLane1 I rarely buy auto parts on line, too big a hassle returning them and waiting for days or weeks. Most places sell the chinese made new dists, just call around. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
@scottykilmer Thanks for the reply
HennessyLane1 7 months ago
if the distributor has power, than why are you replacing it? Also, what will happen if you forget to make your distributor. I removed my from my 90 firebird, and forget to mark it. thanks
sherrytucker 7 months ago
@sherrytucker if it has power to the dist, but no spark coming out in a Honda, that means the inside of the dist is shot. If you don't mark em, now buy a manual that shows how to set up TDC on your engine and how to put the dist back in at top dead center. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
Thanks for posting.My honda is doing the exact same thing and I found out that it was the distributor.
nicole00098 8 months ago
Thanks scotty never would of thought that
popeye4213 9 months ago
Thanks Scotty never would have thought that
popeye4213 9 months ago
I have a 2000 chevy s10 2.2 liter and when I try to get to highway speeds the throttle is jerky and it cuts off it doesn't do it on a full tank only half or less it has a new fuel pump new fuel filter new air filter and only 62000 miles any suggestions already spent 788 bucks
popeye4213 9 months ago
@popeye4213 that's a fuel related problem, either a crappy pump OR it was put in wrong and the feed lines are loose or have fallen off. It sucks fuel from the bottom of the tank when the lines are on right, but when the lines are loose or off, it only works right when a lot of gas is in the tank. See that a lot in botched jobs. Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago
I forgot to mention, the Speedometer and odometer do not work on my 98 accord LX. The temp gauge and rpm gauge do. Is there a way I can fix it or specific fuse I check?
The ground wire from the transmission is missing, would that cause the problem?
JFIdelH 9 months ago
@JFIdelH definitely check the ground wire and reground it. And replace the speed sensor on the tranny if that doesn't work. Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago
@scottykilmer Thanks for your help and lighting speed replies. :))
JFIdelH 9 months ago
i have a 1992 honda prelude . it died when i was driving it . at frist i thought it was my timing belt . so i took the cover off and the belt is fine . but i seen that the timing belt dont move . the car cranks but dont start . i thank its my distributor . ????
randallhalo26 9 months ago
@randallhalo26 99 percent of the time it's a bad distributor. Pull a spark plug wire and see if it sparks, if not, replace the dist. Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago
Hey Scotty, I have a 98 Accord. It idles at 3 k rpm is thee a way to lower the idle? I have a turbo on it and i know for a fact I have tiny boost leaks. Also, I have the check engine light, I looked it up and it is the TPS. Do these things have to do with eachothers problems?
JFIdelH 9 months ago
@JFIdelH Yes, they probably feed on each other. Fix the booster leaks first, that could be it all. Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago
do you have videos on how to adjust car distributor? thanks
jeffzaragoza 9 months ago
@jeffzaragoza Not yet, cause most cars stopped using em years ago. But I will make one soon .Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago
94 Honda 2.2L accord died on the highway. Was told by mechanic that it was a bad distributor. (lack of spark) I swapped out the distributor, rotor, cap, plug wires and plugs. (it was due anyways..)It still refuses to start or spark.The mechanic told me it DOES have fuel pressure. (so no main relay issue?)The car does have fuel.The car does crank but won't start. So does this sound more like a timing belt that may have broken?I would think they checked that.
Haddarack 9 months ago
@Haddarack could be a timing belt, take the dist cap off and crank it. If the rotor doesn't turn, the belt snapped. Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago
oh thank god for you Scotty you are awesome awesome awesome!!!! THANK YOU hey maybe you should move down to Florida and be my mechanic with all this money going to Honda id rather it go to you!!!!!!! if ya want me too ill keep ya updated.
kwinters26 10 months ago
OK its 8:00 am here now i left that post around 3am they said they already replaced the dis cap i think they may be lying though but not sureiforgot to mention when it first happed it made a back fire sound like a pop out of the exhaust? But the second time last night it didntbefore they put this newer engine in i had problems with the stalling but never that sound and also, i made it to drop my kid of at school and made it back car ran great like brand new like it supposed engine has 78,000
kwinters26 10 months ago
@kwinters26 who knows with used engines? It's all just guesswork and they lie like dogs about mileage. But when the dists go bad, they will often pop. Scotty
scottykilmer 10 months ago
God i hope you are online right now Scott im taking it to Honda in the morning and i need your advice now!
kwinters26 10 months ago
OK i just had an engine put in my car 99 accord.. Ive had problems since Ive bought the darn thing Ive had a Honda before with no problems but this one is driving me nuts and Ive already spent thousands and thousands getting it fixed anyways got the engine in 3 days ago and was driving to Orlando and it just shut down!! but i kept cranking it and it started up about 5 minutes later we got there and back, today we drove it right down the road about 5 minutes and the same thing??? HELP!!!!
kwinters26 10 months ago
@kwinters26 those are notorious for bad distributors. When it dies, quick check for spark at the spark plugs, and if you have none, replace the distributor. Scotty
scottykilmer 10 months ago
V-tec under the bay.. Yeah!!
red666A 10 months ago
Great stuff, but aren't Chinese parts not as reliable
ronito6 10 months ago
@ronito6 Not in some cases, especially these distributors, I've used hundreds of them with no problems. Scotty
scottykilmer 10 months ago
hey Scotty thanks a lot for your answer to my question it was really a problem with my fuel pump and i already had it fixed. my car is running good again you're really awesome.....you're the MAN.......!
afijas 10 months ago
good stuff !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..................so i guess ill be lookin for some hondas that dont start for cheap didnt know hondas did this scotty what years were they know for this and when did they fix it i know im def gettin one of those spark plug checkers!!!!!!!!!
vinngrizzle 11 months ago
hey scotty i'm driving my car for low gears especially going uphill and when i hit the gas from 30 up for about 3-5 mins or so it suddenly slows down?...please help tnx?
afijas 11 months ago
@afijas tons of things can do that, so change the fuel filter first and then check the fuel pressure, if it's low then replace the fuel pump. then pray it's not more complex. Scotty
scottykilmer 11 months ago
Hey Scottie, I am having big problem with my car. My car will start, but dies when the motor gets warm. Even when driving, it will die no matter what the speed will be, but the car will start again. This happens often. I have replaced the distributor and still having the same symptoms. My car is reading code 15 which is a hidden code that I just took out. I have new spark plugs and yes the car have sparks. Please help me.
Contenderh22a 11 months ago
@Contenderh22a that's the code for engine coolant sensor problem, try changing that sensor out and check its wiring. Scotty
scottykilmer 11 months ago
hi scotty, i have a 1992 acura integra ls (5 speed) i recently changed the fuel filter, spark plugs and wires. i drove it one day and it just died on the road while i was going about 50. now it refuses to start, or it will start and stall after a few minutes. i ordered a main relay for it and will be putting it in later today. do you think my distributor is the cause for my car stalling or having problems starting? a mechanic checked my distributor and said it was fine (no build up + coil good)
MrReveLopez 1 year ago
@MrReveLopez the distributors go out all the time in those things. so, when it doesn't start, check for spark. If you have none, replace the dist.
scottykilmer 1 year ago
hey scotty i have a astro van and it died on the road while driving wont start again,u think its the distributor gone?
hp11208 1 year ago
Its for alignment
ndchevy 1 year ago
Scotty, Im a bit confused, you said to mark the distributor so you can install the new part in the same place, but you then said it can only be installed one way, so why mark it if it can be installed one way??? You cant mess it up then.
tenchidbz 1 year ago
nice
hp11208 1 year ago
You gotta love this guy makin videos out in the rain for you guys.!!
AutoTechHector 1 year ago
I was wondering, what IF there was no power going to the distributor? What would be the next thing to check?
Michiganborn1969 1 year ago
Btw I"m also subscribed to Kirbyscovers here on YT. I swear to God you could be his identical twin brother lol.
Michiganborn1969 1 year ago
Subscribed! Found ya by snooping though EricTheCarGuy's favorites lol. Even though we do have a 96 Accord with 86k miles, we keep it garaged. My main ride is a 2000 GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition but still love these automotive DIY videos.
Michiganborn1969 1 year ago
Scotty if the main relay went out would it also give you this problem of no spark? I ask because I once had car that looked like it had a bad distributor but, it turned out to be a relay. How would you eliminate the relay as the cause of the problem?
moofushu 1 year ago
@moofushu Yes, it can, but not in this case. This Honda died while driving 50 mph , and the relay will only keep it from being started, once it's started it can't kill a Honda. PLUS, you would lose both spark and fuel injection pulse. so check both of those IF you suspect a Honda that won't start. Scotty
scottykilmer 1 year ago
hi dear scotty i'm a big fan of ur's and tell me about break featel noise best regrads
lodhimudasar 1 year ago
hi dear scotty i'm a big fan of ur's and tell me about break featel noise best regrads
lodhimudasar 1 year ago
@lodhimudasar If the actual pedal makes noise, lubricate it, the metal springs can make noise. If it's the brake pads, check them. If they are not worn out, just live with it, it means nothing then. Soctty
scottykilmer 1 year ago
Hey Scotty! Love your videos! I've used them plenty of times for fixing my own vehicles! Thanks again!
TophatOSx86 1 year ago
cool
hp11208 1 year ago
Sounded like a good ol' Toyota that you used for the demonstration on the working spark plug..am I right?
crackaddict444 1 year ago
@crackaddict444 Yep, I needed on that still worked to show how the spark should look. Scotty
scottykilmer 1 year ago
Hey Scotty. I have a 95 Honda Civic... I have a question about start up problems... a "mechanic" changed my spark plugs but then I started to have start up problems... my car would not start so I loosened the spark plug just a little and now it works... but now I have to carry a tool in my car just in case the vibrations really loosen it up. The mechanic said he had to re-thread... but when I tried to loosed the other plugs I got spinners! Would you recommend using spark plug extenders?
lizziemcveigh 1 year ago
@lizziemcveigh If the engine has problems, often extenders will let it last a bit longer before the engine goes out. Many people use them. Scotty
scottykilmer 1 year ago
Dear scotty, i think all your videos are very helpful but i got a major problem, i have a 1994 honda accord dx and i cant seem to find the problem about my right tail light i mean when i step on the brake pedal it doesnt lights up, it lights up only when i turn on the light switch and i get a sign that shows brake lamp, i need to fix it really fast im on my way to the airport next week,if you can help me out i would really appreciated it thanx
jeyjhour 1 year ago