What year Civic? After you installed the new distributor, perhaps the engine timing is way off.

 

its a 91, but how could that be?? imarked the position of the rotor before the new one, put the rotor the same way, put it in. it fit like a glove.

 

Was the distributor reassembled correctly and are the plugs wires connected in the correct order?

 

i took the distributor off, andthe rotors not towards the 1st cylander, but it is in the same position as the mark on the back of the distributor. i tried to put it on 180 from what it was, but it wouldnt go in.

 

From what you are saying, I assume that the distributor was reassembled correctly and that the plug wires are reattached in the correct order.

What was the original CEL code that prompted you to replace the distributor? Do you have a SOHC or DOHC engine?

During your attempts to start the engine, has the CEL turned ON? Is the ECU LED blinking a code?

You should also check whether you have spark. Remove a spark plug wire and insert a spark plug into the end. Hold the spark plug with a rubber glove and ground the spark plug threads against a convenient metal part of the engine. Have your buddy crank the engine. You should see a bright spark at the tip of the plug when the engine is cranking.

Also check whether fuse 2 or 14 is blown. These fuses protect the main relay/fuel pump circuit.

 

 

does anyone think that if you have an exhaust leak or lack of back pressure the engine wouldnt start?? it sounds so close. then it sounds as if i have an exhaust leak and it kinda sounds like its puffing a bit of air out. then it smells like gas. probably from flooding.

 

Do you have spark at the plugs?

 

yes i do have spark.

 

When you turn the ignition key to ON but don't crank the engine, can you hear the low humming sound of the fuel pump for a few seconds in the area below the rear seats? If not, you may have a bad main relay or fuel pump. Check the fuses mentioned in my earlier post.