Mechanic guy laser read my timing after he pop my hood. Said it was way off and needs to be set to 1.8 and is the reason why my engine isnt running strong. Can this be true? How easy is it to adjust? I know I will need the timing leaser reader but how do I adjust this?

 

1.8 what?

There are 2 type of timing. Mechanical and ignition.

Mechanical must be set correctly. You pretty much need this to be on for it to run properly.

Ignition timing is what your mechanic is talking about. Ignition timing is set by rotating the distributor. Not sure what you are running, but a D16A6 is 18 degrees +/- 2 degrees BTDC. Yes, you do need a timing light to check this. They are not expensive and you can do it yourself.

 

If you set the timing to 1.21 gigawatts, that'll really help the power.

 

if he did that then he could go back to the future
just kidding but you might want to take your car to someone who knows hondas a lil better.

 

You have to hit 88mph for it to work properly though...

 

1.8 btdc hmmm that reminds me of two-stroke tuning. I miss building vintage mopeds.

 

FSRslug, you are correct. He did mentioned to unbolt only about 3 screws from to loosen my distributor to be able to turn it toward, then measuring it with a light to make sure its on 18. Is this something anyone can do by simply turning the distributor and tighten it back up to light test it?? I might give it a try if I find a step by step procedure. And ye,s its a d16a6.

 

You can get a timing light for $30 or less. Download the manual from honda hookup. It will walk you through the process.

 

Once you get the instructions it is actually pretty easy to check and or adjust the timing. So as soon as you get a timing light you should have no issues at all.

 

So since he was there and measured it, why didn't you just have him spend the extra three minutes it would take to adjust it?

 

He didnt want to do it, just wanted to diagnose...out of his hands.

 

Lame mechanic. If he is taking the time to check it, why not offer to adjust it and charge you for it? It would have taken less than 5 minutes to adjust it.