The ignition timing of the 1993 Honda Civic synchronizes the electrical and mechanical components of the engine. This means that, when properly timed, each cylinder is receiving an electrical spark at the exact moment it is intended to. When the ignition timing is off in a vehicle, it usually leads to simply poor running. However, if the timing is off too far or left mis-timed for a long period of time, some engine damage may occur. Luckily, timing the 1993 Honda Civic is a relatively easy and straightforward process.
Start the Civic and allow it to run, until it reaches operating temperature -- when the temperature gauge reaches about halfway. Turn the Civic's ignition off.
Open the hood and locate the information placard under the hood. Read the placard until you find the type of engine, the options are: D15Z1, D15B8, D15B7 or D16Z6.
Connect the timing light per the instructions included with the light. Typically, the light needs to be connected to the number one spark plug wire. This wire connects to the cylinder last cylinder towards the driver's side of the Civic.
Point the timing light at the crankshaft pulley, the large pulley at the bottom-center of the engine. Instruct your assistant to start the Civic and hold the rpm at the amount specified for your engine and transmission combination: D15Z1 engine with a Manual transmission requires 600 rpm, D15B8 engine with a manual transmission requires 670 rpm, D15B7 and D16Z6 engines with a manual transmission require 670 rpm and the D15B7 and D16Z6 engines with an automatic transmission require 700 rpm.
Pull the trigger on the timing light and observe where the red timing mark on the crankshaft lands on the numbered pointer on the engine, when the timing light lights up. The strobing effect of the light assists you in seeing the exact number the timing mark points to.
Compare the results of the timing check to the manufactures specifications, the specifications are: D15Z1 engine with a Manual transmission is 16 degrees before top-dead-center, D15B8 engine with a manual transmission is 12 degrees BTDC, D15B7 and D16Z6 engines with a manual transmission are 16 degrees BTDC and the D15B7 and D16Z6 engines with an automatic transmission are 16 degrees BTDC.
Loosen -- using the ratchet, socket and six-inch extension -- the two distributor adjuster bolts at the base of the distributor, the circular object the spark plug lead to, and Repeat step 4 if the timing of your Civic is different than the manufacturers specifications. Turn the distributor, by hand, counterclockwise to bring the timing closer to top-dead-center -- advancing -- or clockwise to take it farther from TDC -- retarding --, until the proper timing is acheived.
Snug the distributor adjuster bolts, using the ratchet and socket, remove the timing light and close the Civic's hood.
