[joopa]

Folks,
My '91 Civic was running like a dream until I tried to start it Friday, to get home from work. Starter turned and slowly got gasoline smell. Nothing else happened. The tank is full, plenty of battery.

I realized I did not get any sparks, usual method, unplugging cable and short it on the top bolt. Then bought new cables, rotor cap and rotor. Put it on, still no sparks. Then realized the old coil was terribly corroded, checked input to coil with voltmeter and did get pulses. Got a new coil and replaced. Now got plenty of sparks and the engine would turn on.

However, now the engine is backfiring like crazy, the whole car is shaking. Can't hold idle, I am obviously not driving it. I checked that I got sparks from each cable again, which was OK. Then my father-in-law tried to turn the distributor, but got no response. Not worse, not better. Also tried to disconnect each cable to see if anything got better/worse, but no response.

Now, my fater-in-law did do the change to the cables, but he insured me that he put them on right again. I doubt the timing belt jumped a tooth or so, I literally was driving smoothly until I tried to start. If anyone can confirm the order it is appreciated!

Anyone with suggestions?

Jens