Engine Timing a Civic Without Timing Marks
08-07-2003, 09:07 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Engine Timing a Civic Without Timing Marks
Hi everyone!
Yes, just like the title of this thread states, my Honda Civic has no timing marks. Therefore in this regard, what is the proper and practical way of timing the engine of a 1987 Honda Civic Hatchback DX with a 1500 c. c. carbureted engine having no timing marks on the engine and the pulley? I have a paranoid aftermarket service manual for this car that states timing instructions on this vehicle however I cannot use this on my Civic. The engine on this Civic is the original, not a reman nor a conversion. Also please advise how many degrees before top dead center (BTDC) must the pulley or the Number 1 Crank be, if applicable. Please advise.
Thanks,
Onthekeyboard
Yes, just like the title of this thread states, my Honda Civic has no timing marks. Therefore in this regard, what is the proper and practical way of timing the engine of a 1987 Honda Civic Hatchback DX with a 1500 c. c. carbureted engine having no timing marks on the engine and the pulley? I have a paranoid aftermarket service manual for this car that states timing instructions on this vehicle however I cannot use this on my Civic. The engine on this Civic is the original, not a reman nor a conversion. Also please advise how many degrees before top dead center (BTDC) must the pulley or the Number 1 Crank be, if applicable. Please advise.
Thanks,
Onthekeyboard
08-07-2003, 09:21 PM
#2
I'm RICK JAMES, bitch!
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Baltimore, Md
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How odd. Are you sure the engine isn't really dirty and you can't see the marks or something?
If it has no marks like you say I would probably take out the #1 spark plug and stick a dowell or something down into the cylinder, turn it until the dowell is as high as it can get I guess, that what you know its at Top Dead Center.
If it has no marks like you say I would probably take out the #1 spark plug and stick a dowell or something down into the cylinder, turn it until the dowell is as high as it can get I guess, that what you know its at Top Dead Center.
08-07-2003, 11:22 PM
#4
Rotorphile.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 10,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I ran into this problem on my '87 about a week ago when I installed my new timing belt. If you take off the crank pully and hold it under a light really close, you can see a few tiny indentations where the white TDC mark and the red timing marks used to be. Just slap some fresh paint on there and follow the instructions in the book.
I used some red paint to make the TDC mark more visable. I'm not too concerned with timing my car, so I didn't redo the other marks... I just wanted the new belt on before the old one snapped.
Unfortunately, these tiny marks are virtually impossible to see with the pully still on the car, it took me a minute to find them when it was already off and in my hands.
I used some red paint to make the TDC mark more visable. I'm not too concerned with timing my car, so I didn't redo the other marks... I just wanted the new belt on before the old one snapped.
Unfortunately, these tiny marks are virtually impossible to see with the pully still on the car, it took me a minute to find them when it was already off and in my hands.
08-08-2003, 06:56 AM
#5
M0der@t0r Assassin
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Haynes repair manual says on older model civics that there are timimg marks on the other side of the pulley or a single hole on the outside. The dots should be made level with the blocks surface and that is top dead center or if one dot it should be at top.
And if you still insist that there are no marks take the bolt and washer that retains the sprocket and you should see a notch that allows the sprocket to only fit on one way (Woodruff key). That should give you an idea of where TDC (top dead center) is.
And if you still insist that there are no marks take the bolt and washer that retains the sprocket and you should see a notch that allows the sprocket to only fit on one way (Woodruff key). That should give you an idea of where TDC (top dead center) is.
08-08-2003, 10:58 AM
#6
Rotorphile.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 10,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
He's talking about the crank pully. They are not as clearly marked as the cam gear, so by the time they get this old they have already lost the paint that made them visible at all.
08-08-2003, 11:44 AM
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Kai
I ran into this problem on my '87 about a week ago when I installed my new timing belt. If you take off the crank pully and hold it under a light really close, you can see a few tiny indentations where the white TDC mark and the red timing marks used to be. Just slap some fresh paint on there and follow the instructions in the book.
I used some red paint to make the TDC mark more visable. I'm not too concerned with timing my car, so I didn't redo the other marks... I just wanted the new belt on before the old one snapped.
Unfortunately, these tiny marks are virtually impossible to see with the pully still on the car, it took me a minute to find them when it was already off and in my hands.
I ran into this problem on my '87 about a week ago when I installed my new timing belt. If you take off the crank pully and hold it under a light really close, you can see a few tiny indentations where the white TDC mark and the red timing marks used to be. Just slap some fresh paint on there and follow the instructions in the book.
I used some red paint to make the TDC mark more visable. I'm not too concerned with timing my car, so I didn't redo the other marks... I just wanted the new belt on before the old one snapped.
Unfortunately, these tiny marks are virtually impossible to see with the pully still on the car, it took me a minute to find them when it was already off and in my hands.
08-08-2003, 02:24 PM
#9
GWAKS- Tech Geekifier
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Hampton, VA
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is a cast web on the block right around the area where the timing belt cover 0 mark would be. It's monsoon weather here at the moment, but I can get you a picture tomorrow if necessary.
As for the timing marks on the pulley, I believe there are three tiny little ticks, with the center being 0. You just have to look real close.
As for the timing marks on the pulley, I believe there are three tiny little ticks, with the center being 0. You just have to look real close.
__________________
-Harry
AIM: NDcissive
CRX and Pre '92 Civic, Engine Tech and Tuning, & Track and Autocross Forum Mod
-Harry
AIM: NDcissive
CRX and Pre '92 Civic, Engine Tech and Tuning, & Track and Autocross Forum Mod
08-08-2003, 06:35 PM
#10
Rotorphile.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 10,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by onthekeyboard
Therefore Kai, how could you practically and conveniently perform timing jobs on this engine if the white and red pulley marks are impossible to detect when the pulley is secured to the crankshaft?
Therefore Kai, how could you practically and conveniently perform timing jobs on this engine if the white and red pulley marks are impossible to detect when the pulley is secured to the crankshaft?
