"chibitul" <chibitul@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1126405871.638077.191430@g44g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> can you detect that without taking the timing belt cover off? if you
> check the ignition timing with a timing lamp and of course jumper the
> service check connector to siable the ECU timing adjustment? can that
> be spot on if the timing belt jumped?
> I am asking because my 97 Civic does the same and I already replaced
> spark plugs, checked the wires and the distributor, and I adjusted the
> timing spot on. I still have to check the PCV valve though.
>
Exactly - the ignition timing will be significantly retarded if the belt
jumps, so if you didn't have to adjust the distributor more than a bit the
timing belt isn't your problem.

I realize timing belts fail completely more often than they jump, but
jumping is such a dire warning that it's good to check that first. If the
belt has jumped, you don't want to run the engine until it's fixed.

Mike