Ignition Timing

With engine at normal operating temperature and idle speed set to specification, connect a timing light and tachometer to engine. Place manual transmission in Neutral, automatic transmission in Drive ("2").
On Accord, Civic CVCC and Prelude, remove rubber inspection cap from inspection window on cylinder block (at flywheel housing). On Civic, check timing at crankshaft pulley.
To adjust timing, loosen distributor retaining bolt and rotate distributor until specified mark aligns with index pointer. Tighten distributor retaining bolt and recheck timing.

1974 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

Application	Timing
Civic	5°BTDC

1975 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

Application	Man. Trans.	Auto. Trans.
Civic	7°BTDC	7°BTDC
Civic CVCC	TDC	3°ATDC

1976 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

Application

Man. Trans.

Auto. Trans.

Accord

TDC

2°BTDC

Civic

7°BTDC

Civic CVCC

2°BTDC

⁽¹⁾2°BTDC

⁽¹⁾	Set station wagons to TDC.

1977-78 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

1979 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

Application

Man. Trans.

Auto. Trans.

Accord & Prelude

Federal

⁽¹⁾ 6°BTDC

⁽²⁾ 4°BTDC

Calif. & High Alt.

⁽³⁾ TDC

⁽⁴⁾ 2°ATDC

Civic

⁽⁵⁾ 2°BTDC

Civic CVCC

Federal

⁽¹⁾ 6°BTDC

Calif. & High Alt.

⁽⁵⁾ 2°BTDC

⁽¹⁾	Yellow mark on flywheel.

⁽²⁾	Blue mark on flywheel.

⁽³⁾	White mark on flywheel.

⁽⁴⁾	Black mark on flywheel.

⁽⁵⁾	Red mark on flywheel.

Fig 1: 1979 Accord & Prelude Ignition Timing Mark Location

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 2: 1974-79 Civic Ignition Timing Mark Location

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.