1991 Honda Accord Distributor Noise

1991 HONDA ACCORD
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TEDDYBABY
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  • 2 POSTS
Hi,
I have a 91 Accord with 77,000 miles on it. Just had the timing belt replaced and now I'm getting a loud noise coming from the distributor :shock: . The check engine lights comes on and the car dies. Wondering what would be a fair prices for someone to replace the distributor? Thanks
Mar 20, 2006 at 7:42 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Not much work to replace one and you actually could buy one from a salvage yard for $25 to $50. Three bolts and it is replaced. Timing would need to be reset.
Mar 25, 2006 at 3:30 PM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
You have a bad distributer sub housing. It costs between $150 and $175 to have it repleced. Go to a discount parts store and buy a rebuilt distributer. It is a "no-brainer" to install one-you can't get it wrong due to the off set gear tab. Good luck
Mar 29, 2006 at 7:58 AM
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TEDDYBABY
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Update: I had a rebuilt distributior put in. The mechanic told me a new one from Honda would cost 400.00- 500.00. He did the job with a rebuilt one for $530.00. I think I got hosed :evil: He also did my timing belt for $600.00 which I thought was a fair price.
Apr 5, 2006 at 12:41 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
Hosed is the word.
Apr 6, 2006 at 3:07 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the distributor (bad distributor sub-housing) with a rebuilt unit from a discount parts store or an inexpensive used unit. Installation is three bolts and the offset gear tab helps alignment, but ignition timing must be reset. Price notes in the thread: used unit about $25-$50; shop replacement around $150-$175; a $530 rebuilt install was considered excessive compared with a new Honda unit quoted at $400-$500.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1991 Honda Accord with 77,000 miles reported a loud noise from the distributor after a timing belt replacement, plus a check engine light and the engine dying. Experts said the distributor sub-housing was bad and recommended replacing the distributor, then resetting the timing, using a salvage unit or a rebuilt part. The owner later paid $530 for a rebuilt distributor and felt overcharged; an expert agreed that price was excessive. The owner considered the separate $600 timing belt job fair.

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