mourad

After getting a new distributor and brand new NGK copper plugs, i can't seem to get rid of the knocking/farting that takes place MOSTLY when I release the clutch to switch gears. That is not the only time it happens, it does this randomly when driving and idling as well.
I took everyone's suggestion of buying a timing light to make sure my distributor was igniting properly, it wasn't so I adjusted it to perfection. I did this while shorting the diagnostics plug inside the car.
I have to suspect the plugs now, the big question is: Do they need to be gapped!?
I hope the answer is yes so I can finally know what's causing the knocking.
My car specs are under my name.

Thanks guys.

imported_cet_civic

how many kms on the car? and what type of fuel are you running?

imported_zc_hatch

ok.. you prolly advanced the **** outta the engine and you are prolly running 87 octane... so try gapping your plugs since its free and if that dun work... retart your dizzy some so stop knocking
or you could leave your dizzy and then buy premium....
good luck

mourad

67,500 miles
87 octane

no boost or anything, stock d15b7

mourad

I didn't understand much of your reply, I think you're asking to retime my distributor even though it's perfectly timed?
Why should I go with higher octane suddenly, my compression has not changed and I'm not running boost or nitrous.

imported_cet_civic

I would get a valve adjustment and change my fuel to a higher octane

imported_cet_civic

if you buy your plugs from Honda, they come pre-gapped! Ready to install!

How long has it been since a timing belt change?

mourad

I didn't gap 'em, I assumed they come pregapped. I feel stupid. Where can I find the gap specs?

Quote:

How long has it been since a timing belt change?

Well the belt is in good condition but to be honest, I don't remember the last time this was done.

The valve adjustment route sounds painful

imported_cet_civic

there has been debates over running higher octane fuel in stock D series', IMO higher octance fuel is a cleaner burning fuel, and has a more controlled explosion, and prevents pre-ignition.

mourad

I understand that higher octane will resist premature ignition but I have to go back to the following points:

1. stock engine with only 67,500 miles in it
2. everything was okay until 2 weeks ago
3. change in distributor and plugs - changing an entire ignition system before knocking is pretty suspecious.

My opinion is that using higher octane will not fix anything in my situation if the ignition sequence is very late or non-existent at all.
What do you think?