How is that possible? I'm thinking cam and spark timing are 16 degrees retarded from TDC.

Before I pull the belt I'll line TDC up and see if the arrows match the head surface.

 

The 3 marks are advanced from TDC, or before TDC. Remember that the Civic engine rotates counterclockwise, most other cars turn clockwise.

 

I gotcha. What I meant was I have it now (accidently) lined up at 0 degrees TDC, so it's 16 degrees out from where it should be.

But Lewy is saying that doesn't matter..

 

It does matter. Drive the car now that it's set properly and you'll see how much it matters.

I've never used an adjustable timing light like the other poster suggested, it seems it would just put more confusion into the situation.

Also I thought the 3 marks are 8, 10, and 12 degrees BTDC, not 16. The computer will advance the timing well beyond 10 degrees once you remove the test jumper.

 

Okay, so I'm not loosing my mind. Well, maybe a little.