Ok, I'm new here so please be kind! I have a 98 Civic non vtech that I purchased not running. I put a new , used new ecm in it, didn't start. I put a new aftermarket distributor, new plugs and it starts, runs, but no power till 1200 rpm. When I timed it, jumpered the connector and can not get it to advance on the timing marks past TDC. Check the belt, new, GATES, check the marks, all good, took off the timining covers, verified TDC with a mechanical device, all marks good. Yes, I jumpered the service connector. Runs good, no misfire, but no power till 1200 RPM then great. The distributor is rotated till full advance but can only get TDC with light. New plugs, new air filter, new distrubutor, clean and working IAC, firing order right, three mechanics and ME????? Maybe answered before, But I can't find it. Paid" just answers" 9 bucks, no answer!

 

that sounds like a timing problem are u sure u check it right?

 

should be set at 12 degrees. if your ignition switch ever goes bad(car randomly turns off) its a recall. Just happened to me recently and they wanted 150 for a new one and then I saw it said recall online somewhere.

So whats the problem? it wont run or....?

 

I have taken off the timing covers and had three different mechanics check the marks. The car runs with no problems except no power at low rpm. Again, the sizzy is advanced as far as it will go on the stops but timing light shows only TDC, with the sensor jumped.

 

If the timing is correct with the distributor all the way advanced you might be a tooth off on the timing belt. You should have play in both directions.

 

Exactly what I and three other mechanics thought, till we check the marks and all lined up right. no play. not off a tooth!

 

Did you forget to install the small metal key that locks the crank pulley into proper position with the crankshaft?

 

I agree with the timing belt being 1 tooth off, take it off, and start from scratch!

Almost certain this is a timing issue! Stick with timing!

 

Yes, tooth one off. It seems on a 98 civic DX, you do not line up the crnk marks straight across the head. There are arrows on the side and it basically is left side down and right side up just a bit. There are two Honda manuals that show it each way. Thanks to all!!!!

 

That's odd. I have noticed that on my Cam gear the arrows don't quite line up with the head either. They are both a little above it as I recall. Still I have never had any prob....well...I did install it one tooth off before, but I think that was because I screwed up tensioning the belt.

 

This gif from civic forum saved me. Now I can advance the dizzy properly and has twice the power. A Honda mechanic originally put it on wrong according to the book that says line it up across the top of the head. There are actually two arrows on the side of the head, not the top of head. Hope this helps out others with the same bad timing.

 

wait, you dont have power at lower RPMs... you do remember you own a 1.6L 93 cubic inch d16y7 monster right? in general driving, such as city driving I have to be at least 2-3 thousand RPMs or I am not going anywhere, period. single cams dont move below 2k, they just dont unless you are in first or second gear. not to mention your transmission is the longest one in the universe.

 

^ good pic, I think mine might be off by a tooth too, but it runs good

 

Yea, mine ran good too with one tooth off. No mising no backfiring, but now wow! Almost a monster engine. You would never know by the way it runs with one tooth off except no power at low RPM. Yes it's only 105 hp but it runs better this way than no advance maybe at 85 hp. BTW, it can probrably beat my Lincoln Navigator 32 Valve 300HP, 10 MPG beast! You might as well get the best off it. Just Check, pull the valve cover, pull the top timing belt cover, bring to TDC on the crankshaft pulley white TDC. IF you or someone changed your belt I'll bet youre off if you have a 1998 Civic DX!!!

 

ok so i have da simler promblem i bought a engine with no dizzy and well we installed it and we get no spark at all da car cranks but no spark we tried three dizzys already do u guys no what mite be the promblem

 

Im having a similar problem with my lsv cant get the ignition timing done.... its bad like my car holds idle at 1300rpms not 800rpms so i cant set the timing and iv checked cleaned messed with my idle screw/tb 20x over its not the ivac or fitv cause i bought a block off for that and idk its bad.... i tried turning my heat on high and lights on high to lower the idle to around 950rpms but thats the closest i can get it to set timing cause i need my car to be at 800rpms but idk its been killing me any ideas any one i rly need the help...