As in the topic.

I have a 97 civic ex that had it's original motor replaced with another d16y8. The car stutters at lower RPMs and gets fine after about 4K. After searching a few threads I believe my timing may be off, like I think the cam gears aren't lined up or something.

Can someone explain what I need to do? Get a timing gun and use that? I'm not sure. If someone could lead me in the right direction that'd be great.

ALSO I'm throwing a code for Knock Sensor, how do I check if it's still plugged in?

 

best thing you can do is buy a shop manual-it'll tell you how to set cam timing and ignition timing,as well as show you were the knock sensor is.
pull the upper timing belt cover off.loosen the tensioner bolt(behind a pop-off plug)turn the crank until the TDC mark on the pulley(the single mark off to itself)is aligned with the pointer on the cover.align the marks on the crank pulley(up and horizontally).retension belt,tighten tensioner.rotate the crank a couple revolutions,recheck alignment and slack.
knock sensor is in the middle of the block on the backside,near the head.
chris

 

I can adjust the timing belt with the motor still in the car correct?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by desidesire1218 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I can adjust the timing belt with the motor still in the car correct?</TD></TR></TABLE>
yes.like i said-loosen the tensioner,remove upper cover,align everything,retighten tensioner,check it.
chris

 

thanks I'll check it out

 

Hmmm mine does that too. Same engine and also stock. I'm not going to re-type the symptoms but read these threads I made and tell me if yours does similar things:

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1577007
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1529411

 

my civic stuttered at low rpms, and it was because of spark plugs. you could try that out.