QuestionQUESTION: hi, just bought if at auction and seems to have no spark and no starting condition, as well as key in III position and gear shifter lock will not disengage and release out of "park"...so had older distributor laying around, put it on and nothing, no visible spark, engine doesn't seem to turn over with lots of "juice" like my other honda as if electrical starter part is working 'cause i hear "whining" of sorts but mechanical is not but yet the cam/valves/pistons are moving, i know stuff is moving inside the engine but starter seems to buzz & whine like low battery, but i ran jumpers from other car and good amp juice should be there...also after "turning" engine over, the starter cuts off and after letting it rest a bit, it starts "working" again. so, i wonder if bad connection somewhere, or weak starter or faulty shift solenoid?? something else could be causing no "spark" ? what would be simplest way to get to the root of it?? any simple thoughts and ides on this one???
thanks!
ANSWER: Seems like you may have a few diff problems. If you already tried a used distributor and still no spark. I would suggest a new one , unless your positive it worked before. Hondas are notorious for going bad. You said hearing a whinnying noise when cranking.. Does it seem to turn over faster than normal? Even though the cams and all are moving possibly could have jumped time. I would suggest doing a compression test on all cylinders, may be the problem. For the no spark issue also check the coil and crank sensor. Sounds to me like its gonna be a timing issue or valve train problem. And for the shift lock problem, its most likely a blown fuse-worse case shift lock actuator has gone bad. DO a compression test and make sure you have atleast 90 lbs per cylinder. If 1 has low comp, do a wet test also to determine if its valves or rings. by adding a lil trans fluid. Theres a few ideas for you, let me know if it was any helpful
-Phil
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QUESTION: thank for the info. i since checked out the main relay, distributor and ignition module; keep hearing the starter click but not turn over, i got lucky removed it and put it back on and it cranked few seconds and that was it...probably solenoid is bad. there's constand 12v at distributor from key ignition, but nothing from other leads into the distributor. also any idea if shift lock actuator or neutral safety switch could be source of no spark?? i'll be sure to check all rest like crank case sensor
Answer So its not turning over now? have you tested the starter or been tapping on it to crank? if you know its good take your volt meter use a ground on the chasis and positive on the starter solenoid. read as you turn the key make sure you have at least 12v when ignition is turned to run. you could have a poor connection from battery to starter solenoid ( had that problem on an older honda )see if it drops below 12v when turning over. Have you tried putting it neutral and try cranking? that would eliminate the neutral safety switch from being a problem. i assume you already checked power to ign module then to distributor.. sounds to me like you will have it running soon. good luck. remember Fuel, Fire, Compression, and vacuum to start. lol
