is my timing off? please help.

[henna_yatsu]

Hello again,

I daily drive my 98 civic dx with a d16y7 non v-tec. Whenever I start my car, it idles at 2k rpm (even if I leave it for 10 minutes it stays the same). Then, when I shift into 1st gear and hit the "hook up point" and begin to move, the idle falls to about 1.3k rpm. Then, when I shift to neutral, the idle goes to 2.3k rpm. After driving for about 15 minutes, the rpm dies down to a little under 1k.
Is this normal? I have heard that if it is cold then the engine does this to warm itself up. However, I live in Southern California and my car does this even when its hot outside.
I got the timing belt changed about 2000 miles ago and I changed my spark plugs at the same time. I don't remember if my car did this before the timing belt change or not.
I was told that the timing could be off but I wanted to make sure before I take it in to get it looked at. So if anyone with the same year and model civic can tell me if they have the same thing happen to them or not, I would really appreciate the help.
Thanks.

 

[RonJ]

CEL codes?

 

[henna_yatsu]

no cel.

 

[RonJ]

Does the CEL work? Have you looked for codes with a code reader?

 

[henna_yatsu]

cel does work. but no, I have never used a code reader.
But i recall that the cel does work because it went on when my car overheated a year ago.

 

[RonJ]

Currently, when you turn the key from OFF to ON(II), does the CEL turn on and then off after 2 seconds?

 

[henna_yatsu]

yeah it does. I actually happened to try that right now after reading your previous post lol
btw, thanks for helping me out. everyone else just seems to view this page and leave.

 

[RonJ]

At this link, section 4g has a diagram showing you how to check and adjust the ignition timing.

Also consider cleaning the IACV and adjusting the idle speed. Both can also be found at the link I posted.

 

[henna_yatsu]

awesome. thank you, RonJ. I will check it out in the morning.

 

[joe7987]

Ron is our resident tech Guru. He helps out everyone on the site with their tech problems even though he receives little thanks .

Welcome to ClubCivic Henna! Glad you got your question answered.