The D16Y8 engine, commonly found in Honda Civics (96-00), utilizes a firing order of 1-3-4-2. Correct distributor cap terminal orientation and timing alignment are critical for smooth operation.
D16Y8 Firing Order
- Cylinder #1: Front of Engine (Timing Belt End)
- Cylinder #2
- Cylinder #3
- Cylinder #4: Transmission End
The sequence is always 1-3-4-2.
Distributor Cap Terminal Identification & Wiring
With the distributor cap securely mounted:
- Rotor Position: Points to cap terminal for Cylinder #1 at Top Dead Center (TDC) compression stroke.
- Terminal Layout: Firing order terminals are arranged clockwise around the cap. Locate the #1 terminal (often marked or closest to alignment reference).
- Terminal Order (Clockwise): The next terminal clockwise from #1 is #3, followed by #4, then #2.
Distributor Installation & Timing Setup
- Bring Cylinder #1 to TDC on the compression stroke. Verify timing mark on the crank pulley aligns with "T" on the timing cover.
- Install the distributor so the rotor points directly towards the #1 spark plug terminal on the cap.
- Ensure the distributor mounting clamp bolt is slightly loose.
- Connect a timing light to the #1 spark plug wire.
- Start the engine (or crank using an assistant if verifying statically).
- Loosen the clamp bolt and carefully rotate the distributor body to advance or retard ignition timing until the specified timing angle aligns with the timing cover mark (e.g., 16° BTDC ±2°).
- Tighten the distributor clamp bolt securely.
Verifying Firing Order
After installation:
- Trace each spark plug wire from the distributor cap terminal to the correct cylinder spark plug.
- The wires should connect in the sequence corresponding to the cap terminals: #1, #3, #4, #2.
- Misfires, rough idle, or lack of power indicate incorrect firing order or distributor timing.