Can the ignition timing be advanced or retarded on a 7th gen civic? I have a 2004 that is making pre ignition like sounds. Since there is no distributer, how is the timing adjusted? I checked the plugs and they are fine and I'll put in a higher octane fuel on next fill up to see what happens. Any thoughts?

 

I do believe the only way to change the timing on those cars is through the ECU.

 

Yes, on a stock setup it is not adjustable. The crank sensor drives spark timing on the distributorless engines. Make sure the cam is in time though (timing belt could have skipped).

There could be excessive compression due to carbon in the cylinders; try the Seafoam treatment.

 

At 77,000 miles I'm not too concerned about carbon at this point - although I'm not ruling it out either. How do I check whether or not my cam is in time? I'm thinking my timing belt might have stretched a little or the tensioner isn't as tight as it used to be.

 

Take the upper plastic cover off, rotate the crank (by hand, counterclockwise the way it normally turns) to TDC, and check the marks on the cam pulley.

 

Will the upper plastic cover come off without removing the calve cover? I got the 3 bolts off but the cover doesn't want to budge.

 

You have to lift the valve cover, as it hooks over the timing cover.