Greetings to all the G2IC brethren 
I have recently just changed my distributor as the old one decided to be really really noisy. Before changing it however, the day after I first heard squealing and whining it began to lack power when I would accelerate from a standstill and I would need to really lay on the pedal, thus increasing the rpms to get any kind of power out of it. The car sat for almost two weeks while I got a new distributor.
Today I changed over to the new distributor and it’s still giving me sluggish acceleration. Another thing I noticed is that it is somewhat hard starting up too, in that it needs a good extra 1 or 2 seconds to start instead of giving the key a turn and starting right up. I want to say ignition timing, but something tells me it’s something different…
Anyone have any insights as to what would be a most-likely cause for this? Anyone ever seen this before, even without having a distributor problem and what the diagnosis was? I’m up for any and all experiences on this.
Many thanks in advance!
The things that come to my head first are spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, carbon buildup on the intake side, injectors and ignition timing. Good luck!
Thanks much!
I figured it’d be something tune-up related. Of course my dad always assumes the worst and for some reason always thinks that when I have car problems my transmission is about to die :shock: I’m sure that tranny would’ve died by now if that was the case.
Most of the guys at my work have suggested that it’s probably the fuel filter based on how the car’s been running. Hopefully that’s all it is. I’m kind of scared I may have compression loss, which I’m hoping is not the case. I’ve got an OEM Acura ordered and hopefully it should be in tomorrow morning and my dad and I can install it.
Is there any way that may give some kind of indication to compression loss without running a compression test? One fellow at work mentioned about valves making a ticking noise and the pistons making a banging noise??:shrug: I don’t know enough about engines to diagnose problems, hence why I’m here 
I love this forum!
deffinatly sounds ignition or possible fuel related so it sounds like your on the right path
hondas are notorious for having a loud valve train, you might possible need a valve lash but I highly doubt your pistons are making any noise and a rod knock is unmistakable
lastly, there isnt a way around a compression test, most stores rent them and it is a very simple procedure
When you say valve lash, I presume you mean checking valve clearance?
This is very good information, I am very thankful for the input I’ll be sure to give an update on what happens when the filter is changed!
Pickup a timing light and follow the teg tips to check it.
I just changed my Distributer the other day and set the timing.
However, it was first thing in the morning and the engine was cold when it was set.
Drove it to work - it felt really slugish.
Checked the timing again once home from work (while engine warmed up) and the timing was out quite a bit. Adjusted the timing again, took it for a spin - much more responsive now.
So…
Lo and behold, I changed the fuel filter last friday. And the result was… drumroll
Nothing.
Finally, I took it to a garage that an engine rebuilder my dad knows referenced me to. It turns out that it was my ignition timing, but the timing wasn’t the root cause.
My rear cam gear was out 1 tooth on the timing belt!!!:shock:
So, a brand new distributor, fuel filter and valve cover gasket later, the world is all better 
My sincere and heartfelt appreciation goes out to the fellas (and ladies if there were any) that contributed to helping in diagnosing the problem. You guys are great and I appreciate you taking the time to help out! G2IC FTW!
