88 civic 1.5 lit. engine motor will run while the starter is engaged as soon as the stater is this engaged the motor cuts off. Help clark in N.C.

If the CEL comes on and goes off normally, the problem is distributor-related. I would replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil. If the problem still persists, replace the distributor housing (genuine Honda only) and install the new ICM, since the internal sensors (CKP, TDC, and CYL) may be bad.