Hey HT,
Bout a year ago I bought a 92 civic, D15B7 with almost 300k on the clock. Replaced the head and timing belt when it wouldn't pass emissions, passes with flying colors now and runs great @ 42-50 MPG
One thing I have noticed is ever since i replaced the head (drove on old head for maybe 5 months) I seem to be getting detonation (ticking upon acceleration under load especially up a hill)
Usually fill up with 85, however using 87 or 91 reduces the noise but does not eliminate it.

Obviously advancing the timing too far would not help this (I have to be honest, i marked it when it was removed but never put a light on it afterwards)

anothing thing I came across was misadjusted valves.
https://honda-tech.com/honda-civic-d...ating-3050156/

anything else I am missing?

Thanks

 

Have you adjusted the ignition timing exactly as described in the service manual (see also FAQs sticky)? If not, do this and then go from there.

Also, I think you should be using 87 octane fuel.

 

He might be able to use 85 oct IF he can retard the timing enugh to prevent knock..

 

My suggestion was based on what I thought was the fuel recommendation in the Owner's manual. For my 97 Civic DX, Honda recommends 86 octane or higher. Not sure, but maybe 85 octane is fine for the 92 Civic. OP should check his owner's manual.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I will do that tonight.

One more question, what would be the first noticeable side effect of prolonged knock in an engine?

 

What kind of knock? Detonation knock?

 

Timing belt might be off a tooth also.