97 civic lx wont start...need info asap

[jonnysos11]

went to a auction picked up a pos civic replaced radiator, the car was also ran real hot and there was melted plastic in the timing cover,removed that, timing belt looked good,started fine drove it to the autopart store staled at idle half way there,there was no spark so i replaced rotor and cap still no spark any advice........need info asap

[bluevp00]

Maybe a busted distributor? If the engine is turning over fine (starter runs good) then you can rule out battery/alternator problems, if not - there's the problem. BTW, off-market cap & rotors (non-OEM Honda brand) don't really work too well, check that all the connections are secure to the cap first. You gotta check small things first before you spend a whole bunch on parts.

[jonnysos11]

thnks for the feerd back soo quick much appreciated and thats why i post here.....anyhow thats what i was thinking as well i forgot to mention the engine light was on prior to leaving for the store i was going to use a code reader when i got it there was no codes and the light went off...would it come on for a distrib. prob? could timing be a problem as well..thanks jonny

[bluevp00]

The timing belt could have skipped a tooth, throwing off the timing. If you have acess to a timing light, check the timing. Melted plastic inside the timing cover is never a good sign, see whats causing that & fix it ASAP. These engines are the interference type, so if for any reason the timing belt breaks (for example from high heat), the valves crash into the pistons & it's not a happy ending.

[jonnysos11]

i had considered that but i was hoping that wasnt going to be an option..damn it....ill barrow a timing gun and give that a try first.if the timing is fine should i replace the dist.?thanks again for the help

[jonnysos11]

i can check the timing if it wont start....sorry for bein a dumb ass but i have do ne everything mechanical on hondas but somhow managed never to time one..somehow it worked out that way...thanks jonny

[bluevp00]

Oh yea, u need spark before you can check the timing w/ a timing light, forgot about that lol. Check for voltage in the distruibutor before replacing it though. Also, if you're not familiar with Honda's, consider buying a service manual for your car, it'll help you out a lot.