CivicSmith

Hey guys,
97 civic lx Wont start. Narrowed it down to the spark being out of time with the crank & cam pullies. Changed the crank positioning sensor, no effect. Tried multiple different distributors, no change. Tired other Computer from an Ex model same year, no effect. What could cause the spark to be off time with the timing belt? No CELs. Yes, the CEL does work.

Former User

Check the mechanical timing. The timing belt may have snapped or slipped.

CivicSmith

The timing is perfect. Newer belt, no rips or breaks.

Former User

Then how do you know spark is out of time?

Have you checked whether the spark plug wires are installed in the wrong firing order?

CivicSmith

Wires are according to the hood diagram. I used a timing light to see that the timing was about not coming around when the light flashed. I used the same light on my 2000 Civic and it works perfectly.

CivicSmith

I even added a yellow paint dot to the timing mark to see it better

Former User

Details? I don't follow you.

24TEN

iTrader: (2)

If you're checking the spark as in ignition timing with a timing gun, it shouldn't line up with the TDC mark, it should be lining up with the 3 ignition timing marks.

EDIT: Are you sure you clipped onto the #1 ignition wire?

CivicSmith

brb

CivicSmith

yes, clipped the #1 wire. it is far from all 4 marks by at least a few inches. I don't know how else to describe it. When #1 cylinder sparks, the timing light flashes and there is no dot showing on the crank pully

Former User

Does the engine run fine?

Did you check whether the crank pulley metal key broke or fell out?

CivicSmith

The engine ran great before this issue. Yes, the crank key is there and unharmed.

Former User

I was asking you how the engine runs now.

CivicSmith

It won't start

Atomic1

Did you replace the coil and ignitor with the distributor housing? Ignitors and coils are known to go bad on these cars. But as others have mentioned above, you should not be getting spark at TDC, it should be off by the speced degrees.

Former User

Your timing belt almost surely skipped a tooth or two. Set the cam at TDC1 and then post pictures of the cam and the alignment of the pointer with the crank pulley marks.

Is there bright white spark at all 4 plugs?

Does the fuel pump prime?

24TEN

iTrader: (2)

^I have the same feeling.

CivicSmith

How do I post pics? I changed the distributor to a new one, and one from a 97 ex that was running. Yes, all plugs spark bright. Yes, the pump primes to 40psi and holds there.

Former User

Go into Advanced edit mode and click the Manage Attachments button.

CivicSmith

I am trying to upload pics... It keeps failing to upload.

CivicSmith

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...05102541_n.jpg



https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...14359284_n.jpg


https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...33746456_n.jpg

CivicSmith

Best I could do, sorry for the quality. Thank you for your help so far guys

Former User

It's clear from the pictures that the cam timing is correct.

But which of the 4 crank marks did you color yellow?

CivicSmith

The single one that stands apart from the 3

Former User

The pointer works like the sight on a gun. I can only see the lower element of the pointer in your picture, though I think the timing must be at least very close.