Hi I have a 1991 1.4i duel carbrettor hoda civic, when I bought it it worked but was real cranky for about 20mins till it warmed up, I had a few people look at it with me as I'm only in my first year of mechanics... and everyone including my tutor said I needed to replace my distributor, so I did just that assuring that all leads were in correct place when refitted, it also has brand new spark plugs and I place the number 1 piston to top dead centre, so I know the firing order is correct but it still won't start, I would rele appreciate it if anyone could enlighten me on any other issue it may be thank you... carl

I only recommend genuine Honda distributor housings, where it's OK to install an aftermarket Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil. Over 50% of new aftermarket distributors for Hondas don't work at AMHD.

What brand of distributor did you install? Was it new or used?

I was told it was off the same car as mine, and used... I know nothing else

If you have no reason to suspect that the internal distributor sensors (CKP, TDC, or CYL) are bad, I usually recommend replacing the ICM and coil:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-4.html#post265896

Then, if it still doesn't work, install the new ICM and coil in a new Honda distributor housing. All of this presupposes that the CEL comes on and goes off, after 2 seconds, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II).

So you think I should just put the bits in the old haousin... I was told this if it didn't fit... but I think I may do and see what happens... thank you, il be intouch lol

Yes, I'd first try installing a new ICM and coil in your old distributor. The odds are pretty high that this will solve the problem, if the internal sensors are fine. This is a very common problem on Hondas.

Yeah I was told its more than likley to be the coil, so thank you very much for your help, its much appreciated