using timing light on '88 Civic 1.5L hatchback?

[annointed]

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

[rosshatch89]

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

[rosshatch89]

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

[annointed]

Originally Posted by rosshatch89

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).

[Spider151]

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.