using timing light on '88 Civic 1.5L hatchback?

I need to run my '88 Civic hatchback through emissions/inspection, and just got a basic timing light today (I had to change the distributor since buying the car to fix a drivability issue). It seems to run great, and gets 37 mpg, but I don't want to take any chances, so I would like to set the ignition timing using the timing light.

Any advice? Its snowing today, and I haven't even had a chance to look at the crank pully area for marks, etc, but I assume this should be straightforward. Also, what is proper advance at idle for this car?

Its a 1.5L '88 Civic, fuel injected, 4 speed manual.

Thanks,

Mark

to hook up the timing light just connect the battery to the light and put the clip on the #1 plug wire if your looking youll see the marks theres 3 of them other than the tdc one and i think mine was like 11 degrees not positive

oh yeah forgot the way you line it up is from the top you just look straight down and on the timing belt cover should be a little tab

oh yeah forgot the way you line it up is from the top you just look straight down and on the timing belt cover should be a little tab

Basically, I just want to know which tab to line it up with (red I assume?), and how many degrees of advance the d15 is supposed to run at idle.

Also, I assume I have to disable the ecu's timing control...if I read correctly, that's probably why you jump that loose connector on the left side strut area in the engine bay (on '88/89 MY's).

If you are getting 37mpg and it runs smooth, unless your cat is blown, you will pass smog. I have an '88 w/ all original sensors and cat but a SOHC ZC in it. It _still_ passes smog and I get about 27mpg. You are going to be fine.