I have a 1993 Honda Civic LX 1.5L D15B7 block. It won't start. I recently rebuilt the motor but when I replaced the radiator with an aluminum dual core radiator, my heater bypass leaked and caused the motor to overheat. I once again replaced the head gasket. In the process, the igniter in my distributor shorted out. I replaced it with an igniter from a 1998 Honda Civic LX. So after that my car ran again. While on a bit of a road trip, I felt a misfire and 1 of my spark plug wires failed causing the misfire. I replaced the 1 wire because I had an extra set laying around. I also went out and bought a distributor for a 1993 Honda Civic DX. When I replaced the spark plug wire, I also put the distributor for the 1993 Civic on. The car started with the prior distributor (w/98 civic igniter) but when I put the correct distributor on the car would not start. Should I just leave the igniter from the 98 Civic in the distributor and let it run with that one?

It doesn't surprise me, because over 50% of new aftermarket distributors for Hondas at AMHD have not worked. I would install the old distributor and return the new one for a refund.

I should have mentioned that the new distributor was from a junkyard. However, the vehicle was running before I pulled the distributor off. Also, I checked the spark plugs over again and they are covered with carbon build up. I am wondering if there is no spark at the plugs. But thanks for that bit of information, I was not aware of that issue with AMHD distributors. I have not yet changed the plugs but am wondering a million other thoughts. I am certain there is fuel and battery. I have never changed the starter and don't know how to test it. I guess I will change the plugs and see what happens. Is there anything else that you can think of that may help me?

The spark plugs likely indicate the state of the secondary ignition system. I would replace the plugs (NGK only) and install the distributor that works.