Two 1998 Civics - inexpensive improvements?

[MPGomatic]

Originally Posted by MamaBear2015

Like I said, I'm not hypermiling, but we've been getting a synthetic blend oil from the mechanic. Is full synthetic THAT much better on MPG?

Full synthetic = having the best protection for the engine/peace of mind/longevity between oil changes (lower cost per mile). Sometimes we don't change our oil as often as we should.

MPG benefit (between blend/full) would be tough to measure in the real world.

[MamaBear2015]

Here are both engines side by side.

[MobilOne]

Hi,
I don't have an ultra gauge, but I have a scan gauge E and IIRC it will give the engine timing as one of the viewable choices. This is on a 2001 Silverado 3500 with 6.0 gas engine. Thus, I would suspect that the Ultra gauge would do so as well.

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by MobilOne

Hi,
I don't have an ultra gauge, but I have a scan gauge E and IIRC it will give the engine timing as one of the viewable choices. This is on a 2001 Silverado 3500 with 6.0 gas engine. Thus, I would suspect that the Ultra gauge would do so as well.

Because these engines have a traditional distributor and not electronic ignition, I'm not sure if the computer would see any difference if one is adjusted differently. Perhaps, though.

[MamaBear2015]

Originally Posted by MobilOne

Hi,
I don't have an ultra gauge, but I have a scan gauge E and IIRC it will give the engine timing as one of the viewable choices. This is on a 2001 Silverado 3500 with 6.0 gas engine. Thus, I would suspect that the Ultra gauge would do so as well.

Does anyone know if the Ultra Gauge measures timing too?

Is there a way to measure cam timing without removing the timing belt and all?

[hamsterpower]

Originally Posted by MamaBear2015

Does anyone know if the Ultra Gauge measures timing too?

Is there a way to measure cam timing without removing the timing belt and all?

You don't remove the timing belt to CHECK the cam timing. You set cylinder 1 to top dead center and look at the marks on the cam pulley. You will need to remove the valve cover to do this. At TDC the "UP" lable points up and two other marks will be even with the top of the head. if both are angled the belt slipped.

[MamaBear2015]

I have no experience with that. Will have to get someone to do it.

[MamaBear2015]

I have no experience with that, will have to get someone to do it.

[MobilOne]

You mentioned a grinding noise when you accelerate the sub-optimal Honda. Could it be a very mild spark knock? Cavitation in the torque converter? Dry axle cv joint? I'm trying to think of what could cause a grinding type sound when accelerating. Transmission slipping? Does the tach bump up when you hear the grinding? Do you drive with one foot touching the brake? Does anything else occur when the grinding sound happens? When one accelerates, the engine torques backward (top of engine tries to move toward the firewall). Could this action be causing something to rub, such as a pulley? It might be worthwhile to check the engine mounts. Perhaps one was left loose when the camshaft belt was changed? You can tell; the grinding noise bothers me. Especially since no one else has addressed it.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Because these engines have a traditional distributor and not electronic ignition, I'm not sure if the computer would see any difference if one is adjusted differently. Perhaps, though.

The sixth gen distributors also have an electronic igniter build into them... their not entirely traditional.

On the question about aftermarket gauges and reading ignition timing... The ultra gauge will reveal timing advance too, but you shouldn't use it to check actual mechanical timing, nor to set timing. You'll need a timing light and the marks on the crank pulley.

Hope that helps.

James