[greenman8383]

My car seemed to run out of gas on the highway (sputter, die, coast then restart- repeat). I put some gas in it and it wouldn't restart. It has spark in all four cylinders, and its getting fuel under pressure (I checked the banjo bolt). Gave it a new distributor just in case, still wouldn't start. It cranks strongly, but won't fire. I'm guessing valve timing is possible but doesn't seem likely (and kind of hard to fix). Everything turns when I crank the engine so the belt shouldn't be broken. Not sure what's next.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Assuming there's no timing belt related problem, the problem is likely with the new distributor. Over 50% of new aftermarket distributors for Hondas don't work at AMHD--the rest have often proven unreliable. I would install a new aftermarket Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil in your old distributor housing. I only recommend genuine Honda distributor housings; however, aftermarket ICMs and coils have been fine. You likely experienced nothing more than classic ICM failure.

[greenman8383]

That was my ?third? Distributor and it was previously running on an aftermarket distributor. And if I'm not mistaken (def. possible) the ICM is inside the distributor. In short, I don't have the old distributor, and it seems the sparking would clear the dist. from being the problem.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Distributors can spark all day long, but, if it's not precisely controlled by the ECM, the engine won't start. Frequently, with aftermarket distributors for Hondas, the internal sensors (CKP, TDC, or CYL) are bad. If the distributor has a warranty, I would exchange it for another. I've seen this problem over and over again. I realize this is hard for many people to accept. Your own experience with aftermarket distributors for Hondas confirms what I'm saying. My best advice is to buy a genuine Honda distributor housing and install an aftermarket ICM and coil to keep the cost down.