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Ignition Timing

  1. Remove rubber inspection cap from inspection window by bellhousing, on spark plug side of cylinder block. Connect timing light. Start and warm engine to normal operating temperature (cooling fan comes on).
  2. Disconnect and plug vacuum hoses at distributor vacuum advance unit. Check base ignition timing. White timing mark on flywheel should align with pointer. If not, loosen distributor hold-down bolt and rotate distributor to adjust timing. Tighten distributor hold-down bolt after adjusting timing. Recheck timing.
  3. Connect outer vacuum hose to vacuum advance unit. Connect vacuum gauge to inner vacuum hose. Vacuum gauge should read 20 in. Hg. If not, check vacuum hoses and intake manifold for leaks.
  4. Connect inner vacuum hose to vacuum advance unit. Timing should advance to Red mark. See Fig 1 . If timing is not as specified, check vacuum advance diaphragm and distributor centrifugal advance mechanism. See IGNITION TIMING  table.
  5. Disconnect outer vacuum hose to vacuum advance unit. Connect vacuum gauge to hose. No vacuum should be present. If vacuum is present, replace thermostatic valve (in-line with vacuum hose) on carbureted engine. On fuel injected engine, check ignition control solenoid valve.
  6. On carbureted engines, allow coolant temperature to drop less than 122°F (50°C). Vacuum should be present at outer vacuum hose to vacuum advance unit. If not, check vacuum hose and intake manifold port. If okay, replace thermostatic valve and retest.
  7. On fuel injected engines, increase engine speed greater than 1500 RPM. Vacuum should be present. If not, check for clogged or broken vacuum hose and intake manifold port. If okay, check ignition control solenoid.
    Fig 1: Ignition Timing Marks
    G117885Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
    IGNITION TIMING (Degrees BTDC @ RPM)

    Application Setting
    Base Timing (White Mark) 14 @ 600-700
    Advance Timing (Red)
    Carbureted
    Automatic Transmission (1) 13-17 @ 680-780
    Manual Transmission (2) 22-26 @ 750-850
    Fuel Injected
    Automatic Transmission (1) 13-17 @ 600-800
    Manual Transmission 13-17 @ 700-800
    (1) Automatic transmission in Drive.
    (2) Advance timing is 18-22 degrees BTDC on California vehicles.
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