how does one use a timing light and what is the whole process?

i will be installing a b18c1 with jdm itr pistons, and a b16a3 head wiht hopefully ctr valve train and cams.

i also have jg adjustable cam gears.

how does one do timing?????

 

Warm the car up, so that the idle is around 750. Shut the car off and jump the service connector (on 2nd gen. Integras, it's grey and hangs down by the blower motor under the pass. side of the dash - same on other Hondas??)
Loosen the distributor mount bolts a little (don't remove them).
Start the car again.
Connect the timing light power clips to the battery, and the inductive clip around the #1 plug wire (closest to the timing belt).
The light will begin to flash. Aim it at the raised timing mark on the lower timing cover (located at about 10-11 o'clock in relation to the crank center if viewing the cover straight on). If you point the light down near the PS pump, standing at the front of the car, you can get a nice angle to view the mark from directly above. Twist the distributor until the white mark on the crank pulley - the one flanked by a red mark on either side - is lined up with the timing mark on the cover. Tighten the distributor, remove the jumper and you're set.
You could also line up the mark with one of the 2 red marks if you want to run 2 degrees advanced/retarded, but the white mark is 16 degrees, factory setting.

EDIT: forgot a step


Modified by acy76 at 8:44 PM 7/11/2004

 

cool, and this applies to dohc engines?

then what are cam gears for? (if you need to ever adjust exhaust?)

 

Wait - acy76 is describing how to adjust spark timing. Are you asking how to adjust camshaft timing?? They're completely different things.

 

sorry i probably mixed everything up.

i[m a n00b when it comes to technical engine work

 

don't forget to jump the service connector.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HulkSmash &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">don't forget to jump the service connector.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good eye. Thanks.

 

Adjusting camshaft timing changes when the intake and/or exhaust valves open during crankshaft rotation.

Adjusting ignition timing changes when the spark occurs during crankshaft rotation.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by phantom_sol &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sorry i probably mixed everything up.</TD></TR></TABLE>Here's a little introduction. Then you can tell us what you're really asking about...

You mention adjustable cam gears, so the first thing is camshaft timing. You adjust them based on dyno runs, to get the most power where you want it. It usually matters when you get aftermarket cams. You don't use a timing light for this.

Then you adjust spark timing by twisting the distributor. Acy76 said how to do that, & you have to jump the service connector. If you change the camshaft timing again, you'll have to re-adjust the spark timing, since the distributor is driven off the intake camshaft.