Correct timing is what ever the manufacture recommends.
To set timing correctly on a 1992 Honda Civic the distributor must be installed at the right angle. Install the distributor at the correct degrees to ensure the timing is set properly.
To set the ignition timing on a 2002 VW Polo 1.4i, first ensure the engine is at operating temperature and the idle speed is correct. Disconnect the vacuum line from the distributor, then use a timing light to check the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley against the specified timing mark on the engine block. If the timing is off, loosen the distributor clamp and rotate it until the timing light indicates the correct timing, then retighten the distributor. Finally, reconnect the vacuum line and recheck the timing if necessary.
- Do not adjust timing on anything from the distributor cap. You can adjust timing by moving the distributor. - You need a timing light and timing needs to be at top dead center to start. Then make a visible mark on base of distributor and engine block so you know where distributor was when you started. That's in case you need to start over. - Loosen the bolt that holds the distributor. Only loosen it enough to move the distributor. - Now hook up the timing light, being careful not to get hit by fan, or caught in the fan belt. Aim the timing light at timing marks on the front of motor. You may need a second person to move the distributor for you. This gets moved very slowly, a tiny amount at a time. - Using white out, color the correct timing line on front of engine so it will light up when using timing light. - Start the engine while watching the light on the timing marks. You can tell the other person how much and which way to move the distributor. Move only until the marks are lined up . - When it is correct it will look like the light is on all the time. When the distributor is in the correct position tighten the bolt that holds the distributor. - After doing this, if the engine is backfiring, and you have previously had the distributor removed from the engine, it is most likely because the distributor is installed 180 degrees wrong. - To correct the backfiring remove the distributor bolt, rotate the engine top dead center on the number one piston. If the rotor at this time is not pointing at the number one plug lead then carefully lift the distributor from the engine enough to rotate the rotor 180 degrees. Then re-insert the distributor and try timing from start again.
The distributor is set to 0 degrees with a scan tool. You cannot do this with a timing light.
pull the distributor out and turn the fork one half turn and put it back in. hondas are typically only a half turn to correct ignition timing
loosen one bolt retaining the distributor, aim your timing gun at the flywheel and rotate the distributor until the line on the flywheel lines up with the correct mark on the engine block.
35 BTDC 35 BTDC
Connect a timing light according to the manufacturers instructions to the Number 1 (front) spark plug cable. Run the engine at 2500 rpm. Loosen the distributor clamps and rotate the distributor until the "S" mark on the crankshaft front pulley lines up with mark on engine casting as timing light flashes on. When distributor timing is correct, tighten the distributor clamps.
Put the #1 piston at TDC. Pull the Distributor cap off (2 clips). Mark the position of the rotor relative to the distributor. Remove the timing adjusting nut located to the rear of the engine just behind the distributor. Pull it out (it twists as it comes out). DO NOT move the Veh or turn the engine over, as this will make correct timing that much harder. Instalation is the reverse procedure. Adjust timing with timing light.
To set the timing on a Polo 1.6, first ensure the engine is off and at TDC (top dead center) for the number one cylinder. Use a timing light to check the current timing against the manufacturer’s specifications, which are typically found in the service manual. If adjustments are needed, loosen the distributor clamp and rotate the distributor until the timing light indicates the correct timing mark. Finally, retighten the distributor clamp and recheck the timing to ensure it’s set correctly.
There is no timing adjustment on that year. Computer controls the timing. This is partially correct. The distributor can and has to be adjusted to set the cam retard offset. For this you will need a scan tool that does this.
you will require a timing light and the correct information on what the timing should be it would probably be more cost effective to take it to a garage they will charge about 1 hour labour for this job