I just completed a head gasket replacement job on my 92 Accord 2.2L, got the engine timing set properly but don't happen to have a timing light available to check/adjust the ignition timing. Prior to the removing the distributor during disassembly of the engine for the head gasket job I did scribe a couple of reference marks on the top of the distributor bracket where its top hold-down bolt bolts into, so that I might position/adjust the distributor back to that same spot upon its reinstallation. I haven't yet tried starting the car since the head gasket job (battery is being charged right now), but thought I'd inquire meanwhile about the importance of necessarily positioning the distributor at my previous reference marks (at which the car was running fine before). Since I've set the engine timing and checked/adjusted the valve clearances etc as part of my head gasket replacement job is it still likely my reference marks are useful to re-position my distributor? Or probably not at all and until I can properly check/adjust the ignition timing with a timing light the ignition timing will be too far advanced or retarded unless I just happen to "guess about right" by turning the distributor and positioning it here or there? Any comments/advice appreciated.

 

Use the marks, because that's the best you have for now.

But get your hands on a timing light (borrow, rent?) and do it right when you can.

 

Ok. Will do. Thanks for the reply Jim.

 

Be sure the bleed the air out of the cooling system. Set the heat to max heat so you get the air out of the heater core as well.

 

Thanks poorman212. I've started the car now and it is running pretty smoothly Whoopee! So far so good anyway.

Actually before you posted I hadn't really bled all the air out of the cooling system as you mention, and had some worrisome surging going on with the idle. Bled all the air out and no more surging. Cool.

 

Yeah, a lot of mechanics don't realize that Honda's idle-control system doesn't like air pockets in the cooling system.