Before I go to replace my distributor o-ring, can i theoretically mark on the distributor and head where they line up so that when I put it all back together i will not have to set timing?

Thanks guys

 

The distributors are already marked so you can install them correctly.. The prongs are shaped slightly different so it makes it nearly impossible to install it out of time.

It can only be installed on time, or 180 degrees out of time. If you examine the prongs that you insert into the head, you will notice they are notched slightly different, and it has a grooved line above it. Make sure it matches with the head before installation.

 

yes but it can still be out of time by a few degrees if you don't put it back in the same location, as there are slotted holes.

yes, marking it should work.

 

Thanks guys

 

There are no "few degrees"

It's either on time, or 180 degrees off. The end of the distributor is offset to eliminate the possibility to install it incorrectly.

Even the HSM says this. There is no need to mark the head.

 

you don't get it. it can't go in wrong, but it can be off time. see the slotted holes on the distributor? it's for setting ignition timing. marking where you have the distributor set allows you to put it back in without having to recheck timing.

 

Scribe it with a scribe or a sharpie.

 

Oh i see what you're talking about...

The ignition timing. Can't believe I didn't put two and two together. Thought we were discussing the timing with the cam.

 

Pretty sure you can't put it 180 out either. It mates to the end of the cam one way only. Then you rotate the distributor housing to set the fine timing. A sharpie mark across the top flange will let you put it back close to where it was. Test the that the mark won't wipe off before loosening.
I'd sleep better using a timing light.

 

Exactly what I did.

It might just be in my head but even though it went back exactly how i took it out, it feels like it runs slightly smoother now. Maybe i knocked it a degree in the right direction

Im putting the light on it whenever it stops raining.

 

Even marking it with a fine tip sharpie, it still is not going to be perfect. I did the same to my 99 Civic Lx, reinstalled distributor and rechecked the timing via a light and it was off a tad, maybe a degree or two.

It's always a good practice to double check your timing after distributor removal.

 

I'm not sure you can even get very accurate looking down at the marks, due to possible parallax. I bet there is a more accurate way if you have an engine analyzer.

 

If you get you eye in the right spot, between cruise control module and engine mount, you're looking straight down onto the timing marks on the timing belt cover. I just did this on Monday.

 

Watch out We got Sheldon Cooper in the house lol. Way to over do it man.

 

Lmao. Yeah, trust me. I face palmed after I figured out what he meant.

 

Dude, he's asking if he can mark the distributor and housing so he won't have to time with a light again...

 

This has been clarified, sir

 

Bazinga