I've got a '97 HX and in the last month or so it has started to make weird noises. First, it began as a slight ticking. Now the ticking is REALLY noticeable, and is accompanied by the occasional throaty knocking and squealing type of sound.

I took it to the shop, assuming that it was probably valves or something. They didn't find anything. Today, I took it to a different shop, and within 5 minutes 2 of the mechanics working there agreed that it was the distributor, and it'd cost $200-$300 to get it fixed (for labor & parts).

Since I don't know too much about engines (I'm slowly learning, though...), and particularly distributors, I figured I'd see about getting some input. First of all, that seems a bit spendy to me...is this a fair price? Also, is there a place online where I could get a better deal? What kind of parts are involved in a distributor? The parts I found online are FAR cheaper than what I was quoted...am I missing something here? Any help would be appreciated...thanks.