I have a 1994 honda civic ex with a d16z6. I think it is supposed to run at at 12* timing. I went out to check my timing this morning. I have an advance timing light. So, I think I should be able to set my light to 12* and the white line on the crank pulley should line up with the plastic pointer on the timing belt cover. So, I set the timing light to 12* advance and line up the white line and the pointer. I tighten the distributer and recheck and all is well. I decide to play around and set the timing light to 0* and I would think it should match up to the red line on the crank pulley. It doesn't. I loosen the distributer and according to my timing light to line up with the red line my light shows 16* advance timing.

So, something is wrong. Is it my light? Is the crank marked incorrectly? Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks for any ideas.

I decided to set the timing by lining the white line up with the light showing 14*. I figured that was in the middle and probably safe. The timing was around 18* advanced before I touched anything.

 

First of all is the motor the stock one?
If it is stock, I just checked my books and it say's 16btdc for that year/motor.
You might have a swapped crank pulley from another motor?
Try 16btdc and see if you like it? or should I say if the motor likes it.
You are correct. That is the correct way to use your timing light!

 

You're probably right about the specs. That makes sense because everything is stock. I don't know where I got 12* from.

I'm going to go set it to 16*.

 

I believe that the 12btdc is for newer motors or the ZC from Japan.

I would set it to 16 then....