I'm working on a friend's 91 Civic wagon with a 1.5L engine. As far as I know, the car is completely stock. It has a bad TDC sensor. According to the Hayne's and an internet search, this means replacing the entire dizzy. (If that's incorrect, please let me know!)

Anyway, the Hayne's does not tell me what the degree values of the timing marks are. I found that info here. Before looking for the timing mark info, I decided to throw the light on it and check the current timing, figuring I'd use that for the new dizzy. The timing is currently around 8 degrees btdc, not the 18 quoted on the VECI label. The car was warmed up and the timing connector adjuster was jumpered.

So... Is the ECU retarding the timing to be safe until the TDC sensor is replaced? I'm a bit worried that the timing was intentionally retarded at some point.

Thanks for your help.
Dean

 

well if that sensor is bad it should set off a check engine light which will retard timing...if memory serves correct you might get a 35oo rpm rev limit as well till the code is cleared..
im pretty sure that even with a CEL having the service connector jumped will allow you to set timing,but once you remove the cotter pin/wire/whatever from the service connector the ECU will retard the timing again...replace the dizzy...reset the ecu...and redo the timing...youll be good

 

Thanks for the help. I'm more familiar with carbs and points than the newfangled computerized stuff.

Dean