All-
I have a '97 Accord 4-cyl and I'm unable to adjust the timing. I have a timing light and tach, and have jumpered the service plug as suggested. Problem is when I rotate the distributor it doesn't make any change to the timing. The timing appears to be off about 5-10 degrees, as the timing mark is about 3/4" off where it should be.

As well, for some reason only two of the three screw holes in my distrubutor are slotted allowing the distributor to rotate; the third is just a plain hole (and I have to fully remove that third bolt to turn it) giving me the impression the the distributor isn't meant to be moved anyway.

Help! Any thoughts or tips are appreciated. Thanks.

 

the engine was on and at operating temp. while you were adjusting right? i just rechecked mine earlier this morning, and it worked fine for me?

 

Yes you are correct in your observations; 94-95 dist was slotted 96-97 dist is locked in place. 94-95 does not have crank pulse counters 96-97 does.
The intakes are a little different as well.
First thing is to check the throttle cable to be sure there is a little slack so the TPS is reading true. Many people try to adjust idle by tightening the cable.

 

^^ -Yes it running at operating temp.

^ - Non-adjustable? I know this sounds silly but it looks to be off 5-10 degrees, how do I adjust it?

 

Non-adustable, means you can't adjust it.

You're probalby looking at it wrong.

 

No, I can read a timing light Anyone know of a way to fix this?