ssum

I have an Acura Legend LS 1990 and I just replaced my distributor but now need help checking the timing with the timing light gun. Can anyone tell me how to do this? I already have the timing light.

mack1

Hi ssum and welcome to TSF

If Acura Legends are different from other vehicles, this may not be any help. Also, if I tell you something you already know, don't be insulted.

Normally you plug the timing light into #1 cylinder's plug hole in the distributor and put the spark wire back into the top of the timing lead.

#1 cylinder is at the front of an inline engine and on the left front of a V type engine.

Start the engine and aim the light at the marker that extends over the harmonic balancer. As the engine turns over, the flash will show the timing marks on the balancer. I doubt if you have vaccuum boost on the distributor, but if you do, pull the vacuum line off. Rotate the distributor to adjust the position of the timing mark. You will need to look up the timing for that engine.

Hope this will be of help,
Mack1

ssum

well it turns out that the timing light doesn't even have a light working... I put on all the positive and negative plugs (neg. to the engine bay) and the other on the first cylinder, turned the car on but there was no light. The RPM is around 1100 and goes down slowly and shakes a lil bit. I moved the distributor around manually and tightened the screws but it's still shaky and the RPM drops a lil bit. How do i get rid of the shaking and keep the RPM still?

mack1

Hi ssum,

If you haven't turned the idle adjustment screw at the carborator, then you have the timing too fast (firing before top dead center too much). With a timing light, you would adjust the position of the distributor for the specified position before top dead center. You'd have to look it up to know what it is as it is different one some engines. Could be 10 to 20 degrees before tip dead center. You have it more than that causing the fast idle. Rotate the distributor until the idle slows down to where it was before you changed the distributor. It might stop the shaking also. If the shaking don't stop, check to make all the plugs are getting spark. Use an INSOLATED HANDLE pair of pliars and pull each wire up at the distributor. The engine will shake more with each good one you lift. Put it back and check the next. If you find one that don't affect the idle, that is the one with a bad plug, wire unplugged, or somethiing else wrong. Fix it.
Also, make sure you have the wires back in the right holes in the distributor. If you get two crossed, it will shake like the devel and might even backfire.
That will get you going, but it won't be the best run for power and gas milage. Borrow a light from a friend and set the timing properly.

Hope this helps,
Mack1

SABL

A WHAT????? ........ Just kidding!

Been a long time since I have seen mine (timing light...not my toes), one of my kids probably "borrowed" it.

My TL (timing light) is an older model...has 3 wires. 1 wire (red shesthing on the alligator clip) connects to the positive terminal (+) of the battery, the other alligator clip (black sheathing) connects to the negative terminal of the battery. This supplies power to the actual "strobe" light in the TL. The 3rd wire usually has a "coil spring" type of terminal on the end and is connected inline with the #1 spark plug wire. The "spring" is inserted in the distributor cap at the location of the #1 cyl wire and the #1 wire is connected to the "spring" which completes the circuit.

If the TL is not working:
You have a defective TL
It is not "hooked up" correctly

Best of luck.
SABL

SABL

Good basic troubleshooting post by Mack......This is where you start when trying to diagnose engine performance issues with older model cars.

Installing distributors can be kinda touchy if you aren't familiar with the process.

I didn't see a reason for having to replace the distributor, nor did I notice the mileage on the car. Perhaps you have other issues with the timing process? Timing belt/chain?

ssum

My friend with a timing light came by and we timed it, so the rpm is about 900. Before I used the timing light the car died after pressing gas, but it doesn't die anymore. The only thing is that it shakes a little bit in some gears. I haven't taken it out for a drive just yet, I will in a little bit. Hopefully the car won't act up anymore. I had to change the distributor because it was just worn out and died on me one night. Funny thing is that my brother came over and we did some stuff to his car, but now his spring in his distributor popped out and we need to replace that now lol.

Thanks for your help Mack and SABL! I really do appreciate it. I'll be posting more on these forms whenever I need assistance.

I think i'm going to replace my upper and lower radiator hoses now. Then i'll sell the thing. lol.

mack1

Hi ssum,

Glad you got it fixed. Come back to see us anytime.

Best regards,
Mack1