Car lost power after distributor replacement?

[teambeechstreet]

The ignition distributor in my 90 civic bleeped out on me the other day, so I swapped in a new one and set the timing to factory specifications using the directions on alldatapro.com. Now it feels sluggish while driving. I can put the accelerator to the floor and it won't do much of anything for 2-3 secs. I've even had it stall out on me a couple times at stop signs/stop lights even when giving it plenty of gas. Once it gets up to cruising speed it seems more "normal" but still lacks that "punch" when you put your foot down. I even had my mechanic buddy check the timing. Anybody have any clue what it could be? I used to have an old 88 Dodge Colt that ran terribly when set to factory timing specifications, but ran great when it was advanced. I appreciate any help, info, or suggestions.

 

[Maritime Storm]

Is the "new" distributor actually that or is it a used model? If it is new verify that it is the right one for your application. Honda uses several, nearly identical distributors on the Civic that are calibrated for different applications. If all the above is right and you verified that everything(wiring & vacuum lines) is hooked properly, then consider another option, the new distributor is faulty.

 

[Astro14]

I'm with Maritime Storm - the distributor may look identical on the outside, but the vacuum advance may be different and the advance curve (Centrifugal advance) may be different. Setting the timing at idle is one thing, the question is, what is the spark timing through out the RPM range? If you have a different model distributor - the advance/timing will be off (and so will your power) everywhere except idle...

 

[Smoky14]

Just to clarify; what were the alldata instructions? I've seen some errors in alldata's instructions especially on Honda of that era.

 

[Mau]

Here is some info it may help it may not...

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6364/90civictiming.png

 

[45ACP]

My first thought was "timing" and make sure that distributor cap is on TIGHT! (cant move with hand, doesnt move.)

Might be off the mark but that was my first thought here.

 

[mechtech2]

Your timing is retarded.
Advance it.

 

[Tegger]

Originally Posted By: teambeechstreet
The ignition distributor in my 90 civic bleeped out on me the other day, so I swapped in a new one and set the timing to factory specifications using the directions on alldatapro.com.

Engine fully-warm, at idle, does your timing-light show the timing-belt cover mark hitting the MIDDLE of the THREE marks together on the crank pulley?

 

[teambeechstreet]

Thanks for all of the replies. I feel sorta dumb, but my buddy suggested that perhaps my ancient timing light tool was the issue. He brought out his Mac Tools timing light and problem solved. Guess it's time to retire my old timing light

 

[berniedd]

So, what did you do to fix the problem?

 

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted By: berniedd
So, what did you do to fix the problem?


Sounds like he corrected the timing.

 

[teambeechstreet]

Originally Posted By: berniedd
So, what did you do to fix the problem?

Corrected the timing using a functioning timing light instead of my broken timing light

 

[Tegger]

Originally Posted By: teambeechstreet
Corrected the timing using a functioning timing light instead of my broken timing light

1) How was your timing light "broken"?
2) Where was the timing before it was corrected?