[d16soda]

I'm keeping my old one and all the parts, I just can't afford the new coil and the junkyards will only sell the whole distributor. So for now, to get back on the road, I'm buying this one. But I'm not stopping there lol.

[d16soda]

Ok so the distributor is in, and I have spark! Tried to start up my engine, it almost started but struggled a lot.

[d16soda]

Oops hit 'post' on accident, but yeah, what do you think I've done wrong?

[TxGreaseMonkey]

The timing is too retarded--rotate the distributor more counter-clockwise.

[d16soda]

Ah I've been so busy today. Finally got it though! Its been awesome!

So a few questions though, how do I set the idle speed? Its sitting ~100 and sounds like it might die sometimes. Not to bad but I want to get it ~700

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Did you try advancing the timing by rotating the distributor housing counter-clockwise?

[d16soda]

Yes but I don't know if its right. Is that the only way to change the idle speed?

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Since your Civic was probably idling fine before you removed the distributor (around 700 rpm), I would rotate the housing counter-clockwise until the rpm is about 700. Then, allow the car to reach normal operating temperature, get your friend's induction timing light, and set it to spec, which you need to find out.

Use your common sense on this, but I expect your idle rpm is so low right now because the timing is retarded. Again, you should be able to tell by ear when it sounds right and performs well. After you get it set correctly, remember to tighten the three mounting bolts.

[d16soda]

Awesome! Now I get to start my maintenance so this doesn't happen again. :)

And I'm idling perfectly, 700 on the money. Flawless timing. Pretty awesome.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

How does the car perform?

[d16soda]

Its great, but my rpm seems to be a little low at idle still, where the engine takes a bit longer on takeoff. Should I adjust the idle speed specifically or rotate my distributor more? The timing sounds pretty flawless though.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Sounds like the timing needs to be advanced even more. Don't touch the idle speed, yet.

Now, it's time to borrow your friend's timing light and check things out.

[d16soda]

Well when I judge my idle speed, are we talking about when the car is cold or warm? Just want to clarify.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Normal operating temperature--fully warmed up.

[d16soda]

Awesome, everything is great :)

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Did you put a strobe light on it?

[d16soda]

Couldn't get ahold of one, but I took it to a shop I had visited before and the guy remembered me and checked it for free. He even complimented me on the distributor haha - total confidence boost.