How to Time a D15B

The D15B, or D-Series, is an engine manufactured for the Honda Civic between 1992 and 1995. The term timing refers to the process of adjusting when the spark fires inside the engine's combustion chamber following the piston stroke. Adjusting the correct timing is crucial for engine performance. A spark that fires too soon or too late during the combustion cycle can cause vibrations and, in some cases, engine damage.

Instructions

1

Start the Honda Civic with the D15B engine and allow it to run for about 10 minutes. Turn the engine off.

2

Connect the inductive test light lead to the number one spark plug wire, which is the last spark plug wire on the driver's side, closest to the driver's seat. Connect the positive and negative test light leads to the respective battery terminals.

3

Start the Civic again, and have a helper rev the engine up to 670 revs per minute while pointing the timing light at the crankshaft pulley. This is is the large pulley located near the bottom center of the engine.

4

Set the timing light dial to four cylinders and then turn the timing knob on the light to zero degrees. Squeeze the trigger of the timing light and observe the number of degrees shown on the timing light. The before top dead center measure, which is the accurate timing for the D15B engine, is 16 before top dead center. Stop the engine.

5

Use the socket set to loosen the distributor adjustment bolts. If the measurement falls below 16 degrees, turn the distributor by hand a quarter turn clockwise. If the test light measurement falls above 16 degrees before top dead center, turn the distributor a quarter turn counterclockwise.

6

Tighten the distributor adjustment bolts with the socket set, and then disconnect the test light.