dgk wrote:
> On Fri, 30 May 2008 16:04:08 -0400, "Net Doctor"
> <bgreene1@dontspammecolumbus.rr.com> wrote:
>
>> Congratulations...you just bought yourself a new $300 distributor.
>>
>> Pull the rotor cap of the distributor and see if there is red rusty dust
>> around the inside of the cover. Telltale sign. The outer distributor bearing
>> goes bad, squeals on the shaft. If you catch it in the early stages you
>> might save yourself from overheating and destroying the ignitor. That will
>> save you like $90. In the later stages it may result in the rotor button
>> melting and the engine will not run, or may be out of time. Spraying a
>> little bit of thin oil on the bearing may rusult in a temporary reduction in
>> noise, but it will not stop it from having to be replaced.
>> I could be wrong in my guess, but the exact thing happened in my '92. It
>> quit running on me because the rotor button melted and spun nearly 180
>> degrees around.
>> Be careful if you try tightening the belts; if you overtighten them you may
>> also destroy the harmonic balancer pulley on the crank. Ask me how I know
>> that...
>>
>
> How do you...
>
> The distributor looks newish. What I don't like is that there seems to
> be a bit of oil coming from two of the spark plug holes. I think I'll
> have someone take a look.

before you panic, check the alternator, power steering and a/c belts.
if loose, it's typical for them to squeal on startup, then quiet down,
just as you describe. failed bearings generally continue to squeal as
long as they're being used.

and you can't destroy an "harmonic balancer" on a 91 accord - it doesn't
have one, it's an ordinary pulley wheel.