I have replaced the distributor twice and before I do a third time would like to know what might cause the failures?

Based on a theory that possibly the replacement distributors aren't being installed exactly right, maybe review of these procedure would be helpful(?).

Distributor Problems in a Honda Civic | eHow

Only install a genuine Honda distributor. Aftermarket distributors for Hondas are only suitable for boat anchors. To keep the cost down, you could install a genuine Honda distributor housing, along with an aftermarket igniter and coil, to keep the cost down. Only a genuine Honda distributor will give you the reliability you need. Genuine Honda distributors tend to last 75,000 to 125,000 miles.