1994 Honda Accord distributor

[Mr Dumpster Stache]

Looking for a little guidance on installing a new distributor on my Accord. I put the new distributor in, and was unable to start the car. When I pulled it back out, one of the "sprockets" on the front was completely snapped off. I ordered a new part, and attempted to put the old distributor back in. Same thing happened, so obviously I am doing something wrong. Any suggestions?

[WSUCoug1994]

Distributors are tricky - youtube is your friend on this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5VSQYaZeN4

[WranglerBowman]

Are you setting the distributor keys (I think you're referring to them as sprockets) into the key holes of the shaft that turns the distributor?  You should be able to slide the distributor into place and have it sit flush against the mounting bracket on the engine without ever tightening the bolts.  The only way I would think it's possibly for you to break just one of the keys off is by not lining the keys up with key holes on the distributor shaft.

[VCaddy]

Where are the chunks that snapped off?  I hope you retrieved them.  Or at least they're on your garage floor, and not floating around in the engine somewhere. 

[Ben Hogan]

If I remember correctly, the tabs are 1 thick and 1 thin so you can only put it in one way. I have never seen anything shear that off, where did the piece go, is the cam shaft damaged? Did the broken pieces fall in to the engine?

[Ben Hogan]

Looks like u can also replace it with one used if u can still find one.

http://www.hondaaccordforum.com/forum/general-tech-help-7/1994-accord-ex-distributor-key-broke-one-side-55643/