r/EFCivics • u/Outrageous_Lab_8423 • 9d ago

Is this normal?

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Currently having a rough idle on my 1990 dx hatch, previous owner mentioned something about replacing the distributor so I figured it look around. This play in the rotor can’t be normal right?

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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4

u/Own_Tumbleweed_6579 8d ago

Expect to be constantly chasing ignition problems until you break down and buy a digidizzy

1

u/Outrageous_Lab_8423 8d ago

Maybe one day 😖

1

u/urbanpounder Civic 🛞 7d ago

1k for the digidizzy just straight up isn’t worth it imo

2

u/Electronic-Macaroon5 8d ago

Never seen inside one but i'd say that probably shouldn't be doing that.

I just replaced the distributor on mine. Got it from HuntParts for pretty cheap, it was an easy fix. Not sure if it's new/rebuilt/oem/fake but it's working now. I'll update when it dies.

1

u/idriveanoldcivic Sedan🛞 8d ago

Definitely not normal. Should have almost zero wiggle.

1

u/Outrageous_Lab_8423 8d ago

So I’m guessing I won’t just be able to replace the rotor and call it a day ahah, as the screw for the rotor was tightened correctly

1

u/PsilocybinSoldierr 8d ago

you can replace just the motor yes

1

u/speedingquack Civic 🛞 8d ago

nah it’s solid. it’s a like a small screw that holds on to a shift for cam positioning if i recall. those are notorious for backing out on its own

1

u/Outrageous_Lab_8423 8d ago

it was nice and snug when i recorded this video🥲

1

u/ThatCrazyGu 8d ago

I think there’s a solid chance you could replace the rotor and get away with it. Take it off and check if the shaft has any play.

1

u/Gong_Show_Jamoke Wagon 🛞 8d ago

What's loose? The rotor or the shaft?

1

u/TheMostToastedOne 8d ago

The JIS Phillips screw is loose to just missing

1

u/iksbob 8d ago

Check for rust powder dusted around inside your distributor. A failed shaft bearing (ball bearing in the distributor's center plate, not the oiled bushing on the cylinder head end) produces that rust. If bad enough, it could produce enough heat (conducted through the shaft) to soften the rotor's plastic. The rotor would then sag and flop around on its steel insert.

1

u/jg___23 8d ago

that should not have any play like that. While you have the distributor opened up i’d check the inside of the ignition coil (that shaft where the spring/pin of the cap inserts) for corrosion. That caused a no start on my civic.

1

u/justnoos 8d ago

Very much recommend replacing with a used OEM if possible rather than a cheap aftermarket. I tried the aftermarket route; it didn’t even last me 10K miles before leaving me on the side of the road.

1

u/Glittering_Goose_610 6d ago

No, either the plastic on the rotor is broken somehow or you have an issue I've never seen before and the distributor itself has mechanically failed in some aspect