97 Civic - How do you set the ignition timing?

Hi ... I just picked up a '97 Civic with 100K miles.

The car is really weak ... zero power going up hills. I'd like to set the
ignition timing. How do you set the timing on this car? It doesn't look like
it's as easy as loosening a bolt and turning the distributor on this car, or is
it? lol

Thanks in advance...

 

Outside of a full tune-up, it sounds more like your timing belt has
jumped a tooth or two. Rechecking the cam timing can be dome without
removing ALL the timing belt covers. If it's really gutless when the
engine is stone cold, that's another symptom of the same thing.

'Curly'

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Just want to set timing?

Generally on distributor type Civics jumper the ECU plug. Clamp the timing
gun over the #1 plug wire. Aim the timing light at the pointer and you
should see 3 marks on the crankshaft pulley. Turn the distrib to line up the
mark with the pointer on the timing cover. The middle mark is the16 BTDC.
Take your pick.

Sure it isn't loosing compression? Or a loose plug?