I have a 2000 civic ex with a 1.6 SOHC VTEC engine.

Earlier this morning I took my car out to run an errand. I came home, parked it, chilled with my friend then we got hungry. Started up the car and a loud grinding noise. Its consistent with the engine and just sounds like no oil in the engine. I had oil in it, and just topped it off to just below the threshold mark. Idk what to do any suggestions where to start?

When the bearing goes in the distributor, it sounds like a "thrashing machine." Start the engine and use a mechanic's stethoscope or a large handle screwdriver and see if that's where the noise is coming from. This makes sense, since you just replaced the distributor with one from salvage. It should be easy to tell if the noise is coming from the distributor.

Actually, I took it back and bought a brand new distributor. This is coming from over where the timing belt and all the pulley's are at.

Maybe the bearing in the ac? It used to make a loud noise when I used it so I stopped using it. Then I heard this noise rattle every now and then, now its constant at idle even with ac off. HORRIBLE with ac on

You nailed it, in all likelihood.

Why did you return the distributor from salvage?

Because it was a different size harness, the plug didn't match up but the wires and bolt patters did. I really didn't feel like messing with it and I wanted the warranty.

So, could I disconnect the AC belt and make this horrible noise stop? :(

Likely.

Is your new distributor housing a genuine Honda product? Did you install your new ICM?

Mmk, let me go do that real quick because I don't need the ac anyway.

It might not work, if that belt also goes to the power steering pump. On my Civic, it would work.

Ok well just to make doubly sure I went out and let the engine sit idling and I put a long screwdriver to my ear and listened to the distributor, the engine itself, the ac compressor, the water pump, the alternator, and... not sure what else to check.

Also, noob question, in my civic the water pump sits below the ac compressor, correct? Never had to work on either so Im not sure which is which. And I'm having trouble finding an engine diagram online.

The water pump is internal and driven by the timing belt.

Is your new distributor housing a genuine Honda product? Did you install your new ICM?

Lol so I guess what I am trying to say is where is the ac compressor?

Its oem from autozone, brand new coil and icm preinstalled I just hooked up the distributor.When I used a screwdriver up to my ear, there were no irregular or grinding noise anywhere in the engine besides just one point, what I think is the ac compressor. But I don't know if what I'm looking at is the ac compressor.

AC compressor will have two aluminum tubes going to it. I think you will be safe if you remove the V-belt going to it.

Okay, cool. I drove it for a minute just to make sure and that sound is gone! How can that loud sound just disappear, beats me.

Did you disconnect the V-belt going to the AC?

Not yet, about to, had to help a friend with some things. Believe it or not his coil went out in his 98 civic, who knew how to test and replace? His buddy. Haha your info channeled through me. Ill brb and let you know if the sound is gone

Did you return your new ICM?