How do I set timing on '91 Honda Civic

Honda Civic Timing Adjustment

1. Warm engine up to normal operating temperature.
2. Adjust idle speed to 700 rpm, using a tachometer connected to the BLU tachometer wire.
3. Turn off engine and all electrical systems.
3. Jump the Service Check Connector with a paper clip.
4. Connect positive inductive timing light lead to the positive battery terminal.
5. Connect negative inductive timing light lead to engine ground.
6. Connect inductive timing light lead to the No. 1 spark plug wire.
7. Start engine.
8. Using timing light, loosen 3 mounting bolts (12 mm) and rotate distributor, until timing is set to 16 degrees BTDC* on the crankshaft pulley. 16 degrees BTDC should be the middle of the three clustered hash marks on the pulley. Line middle hash mark on pulley up with the pointer above. You may want to take chaulk or yellow paint and highlight the hash mark first.
9. Button everything up.
10. Remove the backup fuse or negative. Battery terminal for 15 seconds, in order to reset the computer.

*D15B7/D15Z1/D16Z6 engines.

On a 1991 Honda Civic, the Distributor is not the type you can rotate!

As an addendum, I found that that the on-board computer will reset your timing when you unplug the battery (it resets the computer) and thus adjusts your timing. The above suggestion, assumes you have an old style of distributor. There is a way of forcing the computer to accept "NEW" timing, but it is not for the faint of heart. Google Ericthecarguy.

I found it useful to unplug the Positive battery terminal, in order to reset the computer, in this instance.

genis2k, I don't agree with anything you have said. I stand by my original posting! I checked your reference to ETCG's video--his method of timing Hondas, including jumping the Service Check Connector, is the same as mine! It's the way everyone, except you, has done it for years.

Furthermore, do not follow genis2k's example and disconnect the positive battery cable, in order to reset the ECM. It's very dangerous and wrong; instead, do it the proper way I explained above. ALWAYS disconnect the negative battery cable first and replace it last. Removing the positive battery cable first dramatically increases the possibility of creating a large spark, which could ignite hydrogen gas venting from the battery or damage the ECM.

Thank you for that, but you did not address the problem with the distributor being fixed and not being able to adjust it any other way. I know that the older models of distributors are adjusted by rotation, please address this point. The removal of the negative, does do that, but it is ineffective, without addressing the complete reset of the computer, which requires a complete disconnect. Et al, removal of the positive.

Every 1991 Honda Civic distributor, shown at RockAuto.com, can be advanced or retarded, by loosening the 3 mounting bolts and rotating the distributor:

RockAuto Parts Catalog

The fact that you suggest doing something that simply is not possible in this instance points to an inability to diagnose a simple mechanical problem. Please tell me how to adjust the timing, when it is impossible to "rotate the distributor) (btw; I've done this operation on older models, no problem)

By saying that, it is an indication that you've never worked on a '91 civic, or any similar model

For the most part, your instructions are correct... however... The only thing that bothers me is that you are talking about an engine that these things are not possible AND most backyard mechanics do not have all the equipment. Yet you still never address the single question of how to adjust the timing, appropriately, to this model and type of engine. You are talking like this is a '64 Chev, rather than a '91 Civic.

The distributor is not fixed. You do it just the way ETCG recommends. View his video again. All you need is a paper clip, timing light, and ratchet wrench to loosen the mounting bolts. There's really not much to it. I fail to see your problem. It's not that much different from a "64 Chevy, except you need to install a shunt in the SCC.

Sorry, but your response is illogical. How do you "rotate" a fixed distributor cap. You are displaying your ignorance.

BTW... there is NO Republic of Texas, unless you are hick

You need an entry level mechanic to show you how to loosen and rotate the distributor housing, not the distributor cap. End of discussion.