First off I just bought a 88 CRX SI with a zc SOhc swap done to it already. I just finished the whole complete tuneup minus the fuel filter. That means to me, plugs, wires, cap and rotor, and o2 sensor. Compression check shows over 125 in all 4 btw. My car runs very bad, like it bogs down in the low rpms. I checked out the timing with timing light gun. I set the gun to 0*. put the gun on the cylinder 1 which is right next to timing belt. Now my question is will timing being off kill my MPGS?

Because right now I found the crank pulley marks, it is 1 singular mark by itself, and 3 little ones close together. I looked on alldata and it said to use the singular mark. And doing my own research on HT, I heard to use the red mark that is in the middle of the 3 grouped ones. I cannot get the red one to line up with the mark on the timing belt cover. I need to advance it more, but I cannot physically move the dizzy any more. Its maxedd out.

Sorry it was so long but I love MPG. My 91 EF hatch 5 speed gets me over 25 easily in the city (chicago) lots of stop and go. And over 33+ on Highway.

Crx is lighter and has a newer JDM motor. my Ef hatch has over 200k on it. Jdm should have no more than 100k. Thanks in advance guys.

 

Sorry to edit again, but All the vacuum lines are correct. I took down what the PO did and did it all by scratch. every connection is right.

 

Yes, not correct timing will effect mpg...and you did everything on the tune-up besides fuel filter? Why?
Sounds like you already have the awnser......

 

You need to disable the electronic ignition advance before setting timing.
If you don't the target mark will just move every time you rotate the distributor.
You simply put a jumper in the service plug just like when you check the ECU for trouble codes.
Did you do this before trying to set your timing?

If you did and you still can't set the timing, then your timing belt is not on correctly - off a tooth or two.

 

Thanks for your help guys. My ecu is the PM6. It is the Stock SI one from what I read on HT. I did not jump the connector. I read it was under PASS side dash but mine doesnt have one there. I see one on driver side under hood is that the one? As of right now I am advanced all the way on the dizzy timing because If I made it retarded all the way the car would want to die.

And the fuel filter wont make me use alot of gas . It would make me run lean. Too little gas.

Ill do filter next week np. But I wanna make sure timing is right.

Is there a step by step guide? I saw a lot of threads on this but no step by step that was working. (there was one but link was broken to SOHChonda site I think)

 

Ya guys, just updated my car info. The car is 88 CRX SI with Zc JDM sohc swap

 

any help? ideas?

 

i have 88 crx Dx stock engine and a 89 hatch with jdm D15B...when i replaced timming belts...the single mark on the crank is what needs to be lined up and also the cam gear has a mark on it...(up).....or pull the 1st cylinder spark plug and put a long screw driver in there and turn the crank til its TDC and you should see the single line will line up with the mark on the cover.....the 3 lines are for timming it with the light thats when the spark goes off in the clyinder

 

is your ZC a vtec?

 

Non v tec. It has a lack of power. I can feel it has more to give. It only opens up after like 4k rpm93delsold16z6

 

Check your distributor. People sometimes advance theirs to get a little more performance out of it. This problem happened when I bought my CRX. Something minor but can happen.

 

sounds like your timing is retarded...off by one tooth, quick way to check that the piston is at TDC is take out spark plug put a long philips screw driver or 1/4 extension rotate engine till you get he highest point then check the crank pulley it will tell you if your timing is off should be on white line (single).

 

Ok I will check timing on thursday with my honda friend who is a tech for honda. we will replace the belt at same time also for peace of mind. Distributor timing is all the way advanced. I cant go any more.

ALso, where is the connector i am supposed to short out to set ignition timing? Does mine even have that?