HELP !!!! 2001 CRV will not start !

[berter002]

ok .... where do I start ... this is my story ...

I have a 2001 Honda CRV, my baby ... and last fall ... I lost a U joint and dropped my drive shaft ... taking out my catalytic converter and exhaust at the same time ...
So, for Christmas, my brother bought and shipped me a new drive shaft ... got it installed and off I went ... all seemed ok .... but I did notice a bit of 'sputtering' or 'hiccupping' and 'difficulties' when it was changing gears (its an automatic)
I didn't really think much of it until the next day ... I started it up (and it started ok) and started to drive off ... I made it about 1/2 mile from home when all of a sudden it seemed like it was dying out or 'drowning'.... it would idle, but when I stepped on the gas, it seemed the power would die out ... and ... I did notice a 'hissing' or 'spraying' type sound coming from underneath it...
So I managed to get it back in my drive way and then the fun began ...

I had the plugs and wires done at my local mechanic about 3 yrs ago, only to now find out he used incorrect wires and even left in ONE ORIGINAL plug .... yes ... one of the original OEM plugs was STILL in it ... oh ... and he was soooooooo kind and to use Champion plugs ...

I have a new family member who has been helping me out and we have done the following:
- replaced distributor cap (it was cracked and there was condensation inside)
- replaced the rotor button (it was smooth as a babies bottom)
- replaced the wires with OEM wires
- replaced the plugs with OEM plugs

BUT ... it still will not start ..... but here is the 'kicker' ... he pulled out plug #4 and grounded it to the motor ... and the fricking thing starts... but put the plug back in ... and she won't start ...
I JUST DON'T GET IT .... HELPPPPP PLEASE ...

I have been told to check the timing, but it starts with the plug grounded to the motor .... is this possible?

What else can I check????

Just to add a bit more to the story ... about 5 yrs ago ... I had this so-called local mechanic do a valve job ... but he only replaced 2 valves ... could this be the problem? And if so, should it not start?????

I am at wits end and very very discouraged ... I don't want to sell it and "get something else" ... I love my CRV ...

Thank you ...
Berter

[fixer]

The hissing sound from under side, have you figured out what that was? You state that the exhaust was damaged, did you replace/repair with OEM? Could there be more damage as yet not seen?

[umair]

When the ujoint breaks and the driveshaft hits the ground it also damages either the gear or differential depending on which ujoint breaks first. So your shuddering can be something bent. This is due to because when one ujoint breaks, the other is still connected. The severe impact, speed, angle of the driveshaft can bend the connected (gearbox or differential) before the other ujoint breaks too. If both ujoints break at the same time, then no damage done.

[berter002]

I have a new drive shaft ... so that is not the problem.

I am now onto the TPS or catalytic converter ....

[fixer]

I have a new drive shaft ... so that is not the problem.

I am now onto the TPS or catalytic converter ....

I think you misunderstood umair. Your right, the drive shaft is not the problem, but the damage done by the old shaft falling off and then causing more damage to either the differential or the transmission or the transfer case, so to speak, could cause the "difficulties when it's changing gears".

Have you got any warning lights on the dash indicating engine trouble? (Check engine light)