Ok, I attempted to time my 88 Accord this weekend. Before, when I adjusted the valves, I noticed that when I had my cam sprocked lined up for TDC on the #1 cylinder, that the "T" mark on the flywheel was not near the pointer. Now, when I went to set the timing, I removed the vac advance line, plugged them and did the prelim adjustment to the T mark. I then plugged the vac advance line back to the dizzy, and had to turn the dizzy almost all the way counterclockwise jut to get it to the 24 degrees listed on the sticker on the hood. My other issue is that I cannot get the idle to adjust to 750-800 rpm that is recommended, 950-1000 is as far down as it wants to go.
My concern is that the previous owner changed the timing belt, and did not make sure that the cam gear and flywheel were properly aligned. Am I correct that when your cam gear is on TDC for the #1 cylinder, that the flywheel "T" mark should be in line with the pointer? I am wondering if it is indeed off, if that is what is causing me to not be able to properly adjust my idle. If this is indeed the issue, is it possible to loosen the belt enough to just slip it off the camshaft gear and get the cam and crankshaft aligned properly? Or will I have to bite the bullet and pull everything off and remove both belt covers?
Thanks in advance, this forum has been a great resource!

 

1988 or 1999? Ill change the title to 1988 because it really sounds like youre talking about that year.

I dont know the answer but the right title might get the right people to read it.

 

Sorry about that. You are correct, it is on an 88 Accord.