Civic problem solved!

Well I replaced the main relay and ignition switch and it still died out
after a few minutes of driving. When it cooled off there was spark again and
it would start and run until it got hot again. So I put in a new igniter
from Napa. That seems to have cured the problem. At least for now! I still
don't know why the igniters in my vehicle only seem to last a year or
two................But they have not been genuine Honda parts..........

thanks for all your excellent help

Gary in Hawaii
91 Civic Hatchback, 178k miles

 

Having followed this NG for a few years, I remember several posters
reporting that after market igniters (ICMs) don't last long.

 

Hi

Just making sure:
Did you put heatsink compound on the device? (Radio Shack sells it) It
is supposed to have that stuff between the device and its mounting
plate. If you didn't do that, I'd suggest you redo it because it might
cause problems for you a while from now.

Regards,
Remco

 

No, Ididn't use any. None even came with the igniter I bought at Napa. I
went to Radio Shack out here in Hawaii and the kid in the store looked like
he had never heard of it. I searched the store and found nothing. Then I
went to Napa and the only thing close was a Silicone Dielectric by Permatex
for Ford and GM to protect from moisture. It didn't really mention
protection from heat. I almost went for it, but thought maybe Comp USA would
have something like it. I even went to Ace Hardware and they had nothing. So
do you put the grease in between the little mounting plate that is bolted
onto the inside of the distributor? And how much? There was a very tiny thin
coat of a type of clear grease on it when I took it out, but didn't seem
like it was between the mounting plate and igniter unit, but myabe it really
was.

thanks for the heads up

Gary
Hawaii

 

I installed a new igniter a couple of years ago in my 91 Civic. IIRC, I went to
a place like CarQuest, Autozone, Checkers, or Advance, and they had some. The
clerks knew what I was talking about.

Maybe call one of these stores and ask.

 

Yep, that's Radio Shack, the corporate motto is:

You've got questions, we have blank stares!

Hehehe...

They sell it, it's called "heat sink compound", here's
the info from their website:

273-1372 RadioShack Heat Sink Compound

Also, any electronics store such as Fry's will have it,
it's the same stuff used on heatsinks for computer processor
heatsinks and cooling fans.

JazzMan

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There's a Radio Shack on every corner, and I've never had any trouble
finding thermal compound there. I'd suggest simply going to one with
a more knowledgable kid behind the counter.
Ron

 

Hi Gary

No, dieletric grease is something different. Heatsink compound is a
heat conductor -- it makes sure that heat is carried off efficiently
and quickly so the device doesn't exceed its normal operating
temperature.

Radio Shack has it -- it comes in a tube and looks like toothpaste.
You will most likely find it in the section where they have electronic
components.

Put a small blob (size of a bean maybe) on the center of the ignitor
and sock it down. The white compound will squeeze out and just wipe off
the exceess for neatness sake.

Regards,
Remco

 

It is Radio Shack part number: 276-1372

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F002%5F008%5F000&product%5Fid=276%2D1372&hp=search

Try the link above (watch the wrap!), it will take you to the order page,
$1.99

Hint: Use as little as possible. Not so much that it ooozes out the sides,
if that happens, you have used too much.

Good luck.