Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Hi Gordon,
The original question is below my followup.
Accord 94 Auto. So this may seem like a dumb question, but I am on my third attempt at changing the timing belt. Previously, the timing was off, sounded odd, acceleration impaired. Failed smog, 6 degress off of 15 TDC. Third time completed yesterday.
Still sounds funky, but idles around the right number, accelerates and changes into second better than before, but, as I said, doesn't sound smooth as a baby's...which maybe I should have been praying to st. jude for.
Interference engine, VTECH, did compression test, and three valves were around 150 with one a little low. Put in spoon of oil, and then it came up to the others.
Why am I lacking confidence-- Because I couldn't seem to find all the timing marks on the timing belt and balance shaft belt pulleys. So I followed the book best I could, but still not sure. Sound could be previous damage to valve?
How do you know if the timing is really on or off? To know if it's safe for my gfriend to drive. I don't really want to buy a timing light. (I can take it to a shop for a minute and a few bucks.)
Anyway to "proof" the engine, like an algebraic equation? I don't want to have this "seem" to be okay, then on the freeway fly apart.
Question -
Hi Gordon,
Should I buy a timing light and if so, which one-- do I need one with advance? Will I only use it once or whenever doing timing belt replacements every x years?
My girlfriend's 94 Accord has had it's water pump & timing belt replaced. I did it with a friend. But when we put it all back together again, the timing was off and there was poor acceleration. Second attempt, we followed the book and aligned per top dead center. Put back together, and still sounded terrible, better but not where it was before the first attempt. So, lastly I took it to a smog shop for the test, and passed everything but the timing. I was off by 6 degrees. Supposed to be 15 ± 2, but I had a nine before TDC.
So, advanced the timing by turning the distributor. But, that isn't solving the engine noise problem (on acceleration- no odd sound when idling), and may be creating a new one by changing the emissions.
My question is, what can be done aside from taking everything off and rearranging the belts again? Nothing right? Is there another choice besides the distributor? If not, and I need to try again with the belts, is 6 degrees one tooth?
Trying to make 3rd time a charm. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Answer -
Hey,
First of don't buy a light.The need for one of those is quickly coming to an end.Second,I would say you are a tooth off.Sometimes you can loosen the tensioner enough to slip the belt one way or the other.My only concern is that the damage may already have been done.The problem is that engine is an interference engine and being one, you may have bent a valve.Before you take the belt off again, I would do a compression test and make sure there is no valve damage.Let me know how it goes.good luck.
Gordon.
AnswerHello again,
It still sounds like the timing is off.If it is too far advanced you will hear a pinging, or rattle. You've got to find those marks. VERY IMPORTANT!!! As far as driving on the interstate with an valve bending engine you never know. Sorry.
The fact the compression is good in all cylinders means you are probably ok as far as damage already done.Keep thinking about those marks and make sure when you release the tensioner that they stay lined up.Good Luck and let me know what happens.
Gordon.
