1990 B18A1. My check engine light first came on every other time I started the car, now it does it a bit more randomly. At first there was no effect on performance but now I’ve noticed going over 45mph or so it doesn’t feel like missing but like I hit a bump in the road. A sudden, quick complete loss of power but only over 45mph does this happen. So is it time to get a new distributor?
I’d recommend getting a new distributor. You can replace the cylinder position sensors. But by the time you would replace them it’d be easier and less hassle to buy a new/remanufactured one. I just replaced the coil and ignition control module in mine I would’ve rather swapped a new one in
Thanks for the advice I haven’t done anything related to ignition/timing yet so I really appreciate any tips. I hope there isn’t too much I can screw up swapping distributors.
Just keep an eye on the distributors position… It can tilt forward or backwards… install the new one in the same position as the one you remove.
Also if you jack the car up from the passenger side, less oil will come out of the head when you remove the distributor.
To be safe I’d just go ahead and invest in a timing gun and learn to time it. I’m sure there’s a teg tip somewhere. Dizzys are super easy to remove. 3 bolts and two plugs and you’re goo to go. They only go back in one way (impossible to put the rotor in backwards because of the slanted cuts) so there’s no harm possible.
If you chose to replace the sensors my advice to you is take your time, be patient, and take lots of pictures for reference
Yeah I’m going to get into it this weekend I need to learn how to find TDC and timing. I put things off till necessary and this is the first ignition problem I’ve had. I don’t know why but anything electrical always seems to get me nervous. Thanks teggykid952 for putting my mind at ease, unified112 for the tips and projectda9 for the advice. I’d be a nervous wreck if I didn’t have this forums knowledge.
Plus even if you put the distributor on backwards (if it were possible) the car wouldn’t run so you’d know.
to make it easy to remember which way the distributor goes back on pull the cap first and note what clock position the rotor is sitting in.
I’m hoping I can get away with just pulling the old distributor, referencing everythings position, lining up the new one to it and sticking it in. Then checking the timing. The motor has about 245,000 miles so everything at this point is a bandaid. As long as it’s got oil, that’s my motto.