Actually, it's pretty easy- first, take a pencil and mark a line along the top of the distributor, from just below the cap across onto the engine (in the direction of dist. to valve cover)- this will be your guide if you mess up. Then grab a good 10mm crescent wrench and loosen the three bolts holding the distributor down (not too loose!), just enough to where you can move the distributor with some force.
If your power curve is weak at the low end, especially with hesitation from 1-3k rpm, the timing is probably too far retarded, so move the distributor about 1/4" back towards the firewall (away from the front of the car) to advance the timing slightly (this will make the idle go up). Now, test drive for a while, especially when the motor is good and warmed up using this technique: accelerate with gas pedal in a light, fixed position and note where power comes in- timing that's too advanced will give you low end power (& will ping) and timing that's too far retarded will hesitate at the low end, then "wake up" around 3k rpm. You may have to tune advanced then retarded until you "home in" on the sweet spot- even power all the way up to the top rpm. Good luck! George '89 DX-Hybrid-D16Z6, 124k miles "Seats, Suspension, Engine, MSD, next=dyno" -----Original Message----- From: Aaron Sletten [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2002 2:01 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: CRX: B16 Question Hi I have a ZC and I think my timing is not exactly what it should be. How do you change the timing by ear? I am at school now, but I am going home this weekend, my dad has tons and tons of tools. I have done nearly everything else on a car besides timing, but I am hesitant to try because of all of the horror stories. Thanks for your time. Aaron
