Want to check my ignition timing, are there any guides around here on how to do this step by step on a 95 Civic EX?

Never had to do one before. So I would like to learn on what tools I need and how to do it.
Thanks

 

 

So here is a stupid question. Where is the timing light suppose to be pointing at. From the top of the engine or from where the tire is?

My Haynes manual (i think its a Haynes) says to point it from the top.
But I dont see nothing from there.

Also, I dont see none of the timing marks on the crank pully. The crank pulley also has some surface rust.
I might think about trying to scuff it out.

 

Ok, I was able to adjust my timing with a timing light, but I have a question. How do you guys know that your timing is off by a certain amount of degrees?
The way I adjusted my timing is I did what your guys did with a timing light and by rotating the distributor. I pointed the timing light from where the A/C is at, to the timing marks and I looked at the timing marks from the top of the engine.

I seen 3 marks, and then the 2 marks (TDC, I believe) and I tried to line them [the 3 marks] up the best I can with the timing "pointer" thing that kind of sticks out.


Like shown on the picture.

I know it says to point the timing light towards the "pointer", but does it mean to do it from right above the pointer? Because I tried pointing to it from directly the top of the pointer and I couldnt the timing marks. But when I did it from an angle (from the A/C pulley area), I was able to see the timing marks.
Last question, what degree do you guys recommend to time the car so it passes the idle HC test?