How would one go about checking/adjusting ignition timing?

any info on testing the knock sensor?

 

Are you having some sort of problem, or are these just general questions?

The timing is controlled by the ECU. Do not try to change it.
If your belt slipped and the timing is off, your gas mileage would significantly drop and your car would probably run like crap.


If there were a problem with the knock sensor, the MIL (aka check engine light) would come on.

 

Still trying to figure out an erratic idle and pinging under acceleration.

did two vacuum tests side by side with another d17a2 of almost identical mileage...
known good engine ran 750 rpm steady idle, vac 20'', snap test 20-0-24-20.
Mine ran 22'' vac, snap test 22-0-27-pauses 24ish (while idle is high) then down to 22'' somewhat stable....

Seems to me that my ignition timing is slightly to advanced? t-belt skipped a tooth? knock/crank/cam sensor giving false signal within range?

Really don't want to cave in and take it to the dealer..... invested to much time/$ to give up on this engine..