Hello All,

I have a 96 EX 5 Spd.

I adjusted my distributor not too long ago, because my car was taking to long to start (would crank for like 3-4 sec).

Could any problems arise from this? My dad said that you have to adjust it with a timing gun because this affects your timing.

I've also been adjusting my idle since it has been low.

 

Outline your method of adjusting the distributor.

 

Not too long ago, My car would take too long to turn on.

I removed the distributor (the 3 bolts), put it back in to place, then just tilted it (either forward / backward) to fix how quickly my car started up.

Could this cause any issues with timing etc

 

yes, adjusting the distributor changes the ignition timing. set the timing correctly with a timing gun.



this information can also be found in the FAQ section

 

I never manually adjusted the timing, I assume you have to remove the timing belt cover? If so you have the take off the valve cover?

 

Mechanical timing is done from the belt and requires the belt cover to be pulled.

Ignition timing is done at the distributor. He's asking about the ignition timing.

 

the timing belt controls a different kind of timing known as mechanical timing or cam timing. the crankshaft, pistons, cams, valves all have to move together correctly for the engine to run properly.

the distributor controls ignition timing or the timing of the spark firing into the cylinders.

 

When you do the ignition timing where are the marks to reference, that is what confuses me. can you see them without removing the timing belt cover?

 

there is literally a page from the service manual outlining what needs to be done in this thread

 

I see that, just every time I look for the marks, not sure if looking in the right place, and wanted to see if the lower timing cover needed to be removed.

Unless my engine is dirty and it does say on the timing cover and I am not seeing them.

 

I didn't know the difference between the timing. Now I know that it just affects the ignition timing, I for some reason thought it had affected the mechanical timing.

Thanks for clarifying. I'm going to have a buddy come over and help me properly set my ignition timing.

 

base timing is done at the crank ing timing is done at the dizzy and yes that can def effect your car......get a timing light bro.....what way did u turn the dizzy??? toward the fire wall or toward the core support??

 

MAKE SURE YOU JUMPED THE SERVICE CONNECTOR
Then hook up a timing light and check/adjust according to the colored points on the crank pulley. Honda uses a weird "line-of-sight" thing to see the marks and pointer and make sure you are looking at it correctly (kinda like sighting a gun). You may need to clean the crank pulley rib closest to the timing cover thoroughly with some degreaser or alcohol (nothing too harsh) to see the marks. If using a timing light and the marks are off or are unable to be lined up properly, make sure you are connected to plug wire #1, if so and still have marks that can't be lined up properly, you probably jumped time. Change the belt and start over.

 

Something i've always wondered, why do you have to jump the service connector?

 

The computer controls the advance/retard of the ignition timing to compensate for lean/rich situations, temp, and all of the other variables involved in running a gasoline engine. It will automatically adjust as needed, especially in cars equipped with a knock sensor. It just makes probably several-hundred adjustments per minute to the ignition system to keep everything in line. Well as it turns out when you don't jump the connector and adjust ignition timing, the computer fights you by trying to correct your movements of the distributor. Jumping the service connector stops the fight.

 

the marks are actually notches on the crank pulley lip. from the factory they are painted but most cars ive worked on, the paint is either worn off or covered by dirt. turn the engine by hand and look for the marks, you will find them.