I need to replace a distributor and I can get a brand new one for so much cheaper than the mechanic wants ($122 vs the $345 they want), but they won't warranty the installation on one they didn't sell me, so I figure I might as well do it myself.
The mechanics of swapping the part out are easy--it's just a few bolts and wires--but I've never actually reset the timing myself. To the best of my knowledge, the ECU will only modify the advance, not the retardation. Does anyone have any advice for doing this properly? It's a 93 Civic EX Coupe, if that helps.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Bump?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I've swapped distributers without a timing light, but my method wasn't good enough that I'd recommend it. I essentially eyeballed it at about the recommended timing, then adjusted it like I do my guitar strings -- a little to the left, then back to the right, until it sounds about right.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
What were the results like? Good enough, or did you end up getting it retimed at a mechanic?
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Good enough, but it's a '66 Mustang that I've never driven much. So my 'good enough' may not match up with your 'good enough'.
On the other hand though, would it be any more expensive to have it retimed than to take it there first? If not, it seems like just giving it a shot would be a win/stay the same situation for you. Worst case, you have the timing adjusted. Best case, it works on its own.
YMMV (literally).
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Yeah, I figure it may be worth a shot. We'll see, though - it's my commuter, so my need for it to be running again is pretty pressing.
Thanks for the input, JT. Posted by Glenn Arnold (Member # 3192) on :
$345 - $122 = $223
Buy a $40 timing light and adjust it yourself. Then you'll own a timing light.
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