I finally made the move from the expensive Honda dealer service to an
independent chain specializing in Japanese cars. I have mixed feelings
about it because it did not cost me less than a typical dealer service,
but about half the cost was due to a replacement of the distributor
assembly that cost me $400 even though it was a rebuilt Delco model .
Is this reasonable? I was told a new original from Honda could cost me
$500-600. From what I figure a rebuilt one that's not even from Honda,
should not cost more than about half of the cost of a new Honda brand,
but what do I know? The reason for replacement was that the oil was
seeping through it, so it was probably just a bad oil seal.

A smaller problem was in the distributor cap where the center carbon rod
was burned out and there was not even a solid contact between the top
and the bottom center. Interestingly though I never noticed any problem
with ignition before. Now I wonder if I was shown my own original
distributor cap when I wanted to see it.

The car seems to run better now, especially because they also replaced
the thermostat that was stuck open before which I believe because the
temp gage used to show no warming for quite a long time. Now it looks
normal.

The only thing that is worse now than before is the idling speed (aound
700) that seems too low and I stall often during starting. If I recall
the idle speed used to be around 1,000 RPM before. Is it easy to adjust
or I'm going to have to make another appointment with that shop?
The car is a '94 Accord LX.

Rudy