Checking the condition of the BB wires should be done every time the spark plugs are replaced (see Checking the condition and replacing spark plugs).
1. The check begins with an external inspection of the insulation of the wires with the engine running. Drive the car into a dark room, start the engine and make sure that there is no sparking on the wires associated with a breakdown of their insulation. Avoid touching moving components in the engine compartment. Make the necessary notes on the replacement of defective wires, then let the engine cool down and proceed to check the condition of the ignition distributor cap and runner.
2. Checking the spark plug wires is carried out one by one in order to avoid violating the order of their connection during assembly. Usually, there is a corresponding marking on the insulation of branded wires. If there is none, apply it yourself with tape and a marker.
3. Disconnect the BB wire from the spark plug (it is best to use a special tool). In no case do not pull on the wire itself, only on its tip.
4. Inspect the inside walls of the tip. Corrosion usually appears as a brittle, crusty, white deposit.
5. Pull the tip back over the shank of your spark plug, making sure it fits snugly. If necessary, remove the tip again and bend the terminals inside the rubber boot.
6. With a clean rag, wipe the wire along its entire length, completely removing traces of dirt and grease from the surface of the insulation. Inspect the wire insulation for cracks, burn marks, or other damage. Try not to bend the wire at sharp angles to avoid breaking the integrity of the conductor cores inside the insulation.
7. Disconnect the wire from the distributor (again, pull only on the tip, not on the wire). Check the ferrule for signs of corrosion and tight fit on the terminal. Reconnect the wire to the distributor.
8. In the same manner, check the condition of all remaining spark plug wires one by one. Make sure that they are securely connected to the spark plugs and distributor terminals.
9. If it is necessary to replace the BB wires, make sure that the replacement wires correspond in size to the parameters of your car engine. In branded stores of automotive accessories and service centers of Honda, you can always purchase ready-to-use sets of BB wires, cut to length and equipped with tips. Remove and replace wires one at a time to avoid misfiring.
10a. Loosen the fixing screws (see accompanying illustration).
10b. Remove the distributor cap. Carefully check the lid as it is from the outside...
10c....and from within (see accompanying illustrations) for cracks, carbon tracks, traces of burnout, loosening of contact connections and other damage.
11a. Loosen the fixing screw (see accompanying illustration).
11b. Remove the slider from the distributor shaft and inspect it for cracks and carbon tracks (see accompanying illustration).
12. It is good practice to replace the distributor cap and runner, regardless of their condition, each time new BB wires are installed. When using old components, carefully clean the contact surfaces of their terminals and measure the resistive resistance of the wires and the roof (see Specifications to this Chapter).
13. When installing a new distributor cover, transfer the wires from the old BB to it, connecting them strictly in the same order - try not to disconnect all the wires at the same time, transfer them one by one.
Note. The firing order is specified in Specifications at the beginning of this chapter. On most models, the protective lug of the spark plug wire of the first cylinder on the distributor cap is marked.