Civic Timing Belt Change
 

To all,

We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.

Davant95

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

"Davant95" <davant98@msn.com> wrote in message news:<2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>. ..
> To all,
>
> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
>
> Davant95

probably a tooth off on the timing belt, causing no power and the low idle.
pull the upper cover and check it again.
Chip

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

"Davant95" <davant98@msn.com> wrote in message news:<2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>. ..
> To all,
>
> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
>
> Davant95

probably a tooth off on the timing belt, causing no power and the low idle.
pull the upper cover and check it again.
Chip

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
<davant98@msn.com> wrote:

> To all,
>
> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
>
> Davant95

I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's possible
that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps there may
be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not worked
on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of timing
belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal while
you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the mechanic
check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem after
removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
<davant98@msn.com> wrote:

> To all,
>
> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
>
> Davant95

I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's possible
that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps there may
be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not worked
on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of timing
belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal while
you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the mechanic
check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem after
removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

Its unlikely that its slipping. If it is you will have to replace it again.
I would say there is a very good chance the belt is off by one cog. Take
the cover off and recheck the alignment marks on the pulley & sprocket.
When you reset it, make sure you follow the alignment procedure exactly &
verify that its correct before you put it all back together.

On 8/3/03 8:11 PM, in article
billbjohnson555-0308031811200001@pm5...dialup.fix.net, "Bill B.
Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote:

> In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
> <davant98@msn.com> wrote:
>
>> To all,
>>
>> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
>> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
>> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
>> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
>> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
>> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
>>
>> Davant95
>
> I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's possible
> that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps there may
> be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not worked
> on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of timing
> belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal while
> you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
> Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the mechanic
> check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem after
> removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

Its unlikely that its slipping. If it is you will have to replace it again.
I would say there is a very good chance the belt is off by one cog. Take
the cover off and recheck the alignment marks on the pulley & sprocket.
When you reset it, make sure you follow the alignment procedure exactly &
verify that its correct before you put it all back together.

On 8/3/03 8:11 PM, in article
billbjohnson555-0308031811200001@pm5...dialup.fix.net, "Bill B.
Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote:

> In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
> <davant98@msn.com> wrote:
>
>> To all,
>>
>> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
>> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
>> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
>> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
>> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
>> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
>>
>> Davant95
>
> I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's possible
> that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps there may
> be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not worked
> on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of timing
> belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal while
> you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
> Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the mechanic
> check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem after
> removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

If his car "runs smooth" at idle, it is NOT the belt. If the belt was
off even one "tooth" it probably wouldn't even start let alone run. If
it DID start, it'd sound like crap at ANY speed, real rough idling,
backfiring, you name it.

I'd look elsewhere for the problem.

John D.




"E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message news:<BB531E72.8CFA%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> Its unlikely that its slipping. If it is you will have to replace it again.
> I would say there is a very good chance the belt is off by one cog. Take
> the cover off and recheck the alignment marks on the pulley & sprocket.
> When you reset it, make sure you follow the alignment procedure exactly &
> verify that its correct before you put it all back together.
>
> On 8/3/03 8:11 PM, in article
> billbjohnson555-0308031811200001@pm5...dialup.fix.net, "Bill B.
> Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
> > <davant98@msn.com> wrote:
> >
> >> To all,
> >>
> >> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
> >> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
> >> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
> >> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
> >> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
> >> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
> >>
> >> Davant95
> >
> > I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's possible
> > that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps there may
> > be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not worked
> > on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of timing
> > belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal while
> > you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
> > Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the mechanic
> > check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem after
> > removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

If his car "runs smooth" at idle, it is NOT the belt. If the belt was
off even one "tooth" it probably wouldn't even start let alone run. If
it DID start, it'd sound like crap at ANY speed, real rough idling,
backfiring, you name it.

I'd look elsewhere for the problem.

John D.




"E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message news:<BB531E72.8CFA%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> Its unlikely that its slipping. If it is you will have to replace it again.
> I would say there is a very good chance the belt is off by one cog. Take
> the cover off and recheck the alignment marks on the pulley & sprocket.
> When you reset it, make sure you follow the alignment procedure exactly &
> verify that its correct before you put it all back together.
>
> On 8/3/03 8:11 PM, in article
> billbjohnson555-0308031811200001@pm5...dialup.fix.net, "Bill B.
> Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
> > <davant98@msn.com> wrote:
> >
> >> To all,
> >>
> >> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
> >> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
> >> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
> >> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
> >> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
> >> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
> >>
> >> Davant95
> >
> > I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's possible
> > that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps there may
> > be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not worked
> > on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of timing
> > belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal while
> > you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
> > Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the mechanic
> > check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem after
> > removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

Then they must be much more forgiving than timing chains: If you're
off one tooth with a chain, it's just as I said.

John D.




"E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message news:<BB541AEC.8F7A%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> I disagree based on personal experience. Many cars will run if the belt is
> off by one tooth, My VW rabbit slipped one tooth on the belt (a little rock
> got under it). It ran smoothly, but had no power and overheated easily
> until the belt was realigned. The symptoms were almost exactly what he
> describes.
>
> On 8/4/03 11:58 AM, in article
> e821bab6.0308040858.4956c00e@posting.google.com, "John D."
> <jcdech@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > If his car "runs smooth" at idle, it is NOT the belt. If the belt was
> > off even one "tooth" it probably wouldn't even start let alone run. If
> > it DID start, it'd sound like crap at ANY speed, real rough idling,
> > backfiring, you name it.
> >
> > I'd look elsewhere for the problem.
> >
> > John D.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message
> > news:<BB531E72.8CFA%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> >> Its unlikely that its slipping. If it is you will have to replace it again.
> >> I would say there is a very good chance the belt is off by one cog. Take
> >> the cover off and recheck the alignment marks on the pulley & sprocket.
> >> When you reset it, make sure you follow the alignment procedure exactly &
> >> verify that its correct before you put it all back together.
> >>
> >> On 8/3/03 8:11 PM, in article
> >> billbjohnson555-0308031811200001@pm5...dialup.fix.net, "Bill B.
> >> Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >>> In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
> >>> <davant98@msn.com> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> To all,
> >>>>
> >>>> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
> >>>> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
> >>>> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
> >>>> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
> >>>> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
> >>>> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
> >>>>
> >>>> Davant95
> >>>
> >>> I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's possible
> >>> that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps there may
> >>> be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not worked
> >>> on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of timing
> >>> belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal while
> >>> you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
> >>> Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the mechanic
> >>> check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem after
> >>> removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

Then they must be much more forgiving than timing chains: If you're
off one tooth with a chain, it's just as I said.

John D.




"E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message news:<BB541AEC.8F7A%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> I disagree based on personal experience. Many cars will run if the belt is
> off by one tooth, My VW rabbit slipped one tooth on the belt (a little rock
> got under it). It ran smoothly, but had no power and overheated easily
> until the belt was realigned. The symptoms were almost exactly what he
> describes.
>
> On 8/4/03 11:58 AM, in article
> e821bab6.0308040858.4956c00e@posting.google.com, "John D."
> <jcdech@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > If his car "runs smooth" at idle, it is NOT the belt. If the belt was
> > off even one "tooth" it probably wouldn't even start let alone run. If
> > it DID start, it'd sound like crap at ANY speed, real rough idling,
> > backfiring, you name it.
> >
> > I'd look elsewhere for the problem.
> >
> > John D.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message
> > news:<BB531E72.8CFA%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> >> Its unlikely that its slipping. If it is you will have to replace it again.
> >> I would say there is a very good chance the belt is off by one cog. Take
> >> the cover off and recheck the alignment marks on the pulley & sprocket.
> >> When you reset it, make sure you follow the alignment procedure exactly &
> >> verify that its correct before you put it all back together.
> >>
> >> On 8/3/03 8:11 PM, in article
> >> billbjohnson555-0308031811200001@pm5...dialup.fix.net, "Bill B.
> >> Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >>> In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
> >>> <davant98@msn.com> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> To all,
> >>>>
> >>>> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car has
> >>>> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car will not
> >>>> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up when the
> >>>> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor attached
> >>>> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I also
> >>>> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is appreciated.
> >>>>
> >>>> Davant95
> >>>
> >>> I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's possible
> >>> that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps there may
> >>> be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not worked
> >>> on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of timing
> >>> belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal while
> >>> you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
> >>> Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the mechanic
> >>> check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem after
> >>> removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

"John D." <jcdech@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e821bab6.0308060849.751605bc@posting.google.c om...
> Then they must be much more forgiving than timing chains: If you're
> off one tooth with a chain, it's just as I said.
>
> John D.

Smaller teeth, therefore closer spacing, on a belt.


> "E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:<BB541AEC.8F7A%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> > I disagree based on personal experience. Many cars will run if the belt
is
> > off by one tooth, My VW rabbit slipped one tooth on the belt (a little
rock
> > got under it). It ran smoothly, but had no power and overheated easily
> > until the belt was realigned. The symptoms were almost exactly what he
> > describes.
> >
> > On 8/4/03 11:58 AM, in article
> > e821bab6.0308040858.4956c00e@posting.google.com, "John D."
> > <jcdech@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > If his car "runs smooth" at idle, it is NOT the belt. If the belt was
> > > off even one "tooth" it probably wouldn't even start let alone run. If
> > > it DID start, it'd sound like crap at ANY speed, real rough idling,
> > > backfiring, you name it.
> > >
> > > I'd look elsewhere for the problem.
> > >
> > > John D.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message
> > > news:<BB531E72.8CFA%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> > >> Its unlikely that its slipping. If it is you will have to replace it
again.
> > >> I would say there is a very good chance the belt is off by one cog.
Take
> > >> the cover off and recheck the alignment marks on the pulley &
sprocket.
> > >> When you reset it, make sure you follow the alignment procedure
exactly &
> > >> verify that its correct before you put it all back together.
> > >>
> > >> On 8/3/03 8:11 PM, in article
> > >> billbjohnson555-0308031811200001@pm5...dialup.fix.net,
"Bill B.
> > >> Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
> > >>> <davant98@msn.com> wrote:
> > >>>
> > >>>> To all,
> > >>>>
> > >>>> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car
has
> > >>>> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car
will not
> > >>>> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up
when the
> > >>>> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor
attached
> > >>>> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I
also
> > >>>> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is
appreciated.
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Davant95
> > >>>
> > >>> I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's
possible
> > >>> that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps
there may
> > >>> be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not
worked
> > >>> on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of
timing
> > >>> belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal
while
> > >>> you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
> > >>> Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the
mechanic
> > >>> check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem
after
> > >>> removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

"John D." <jcdech@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e821bab6.0308060849.751605bc@posting.google.c om...
> Then they must be much more forgiving than timing chains: If you're
> off one tooth with a chain, it's just as I said.
>
> John D.

Smaller teeth, therefore closer spacing, on a belt.


> "E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:<BB541AEC.8F7A%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> > I disagree based on personal experience. Many cars will run if the belt
is
> > off by one tooth, My VW rabbit slipped one tooth on the belt (a little
rock
> > got under it). It ran smoothly, but had no power and overheated easily
> > until the belt was realigned. The symptoms were almost exactly what he
> > describes.
> >
> > On 8/4/03 11:58 AM, in article
> > e821bab6.0308040858.4956c00e@posting.google.com, "John D."
> > <jcdech@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > If his car "runs smooth" at idle, it is NOT the belt. If the belt was
> > > off even one "tooth" it probably wouldn't even start let alone run. If
> > > it DID start, it'd sound like crap at ANY speed, real rough idling,
> > > backfiring, you name it.
> > >
> > > I'd look elsewhere for the problem.
> > >
> > > John D.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message
> > > news:<BB531E72.8CFA%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> > >> Its unlikely that its slipping. If it is you will have to replace it
again.
> > >> I would say there is a very good chance the belt is off by one cog.
Take
> > >> the cover off and recheck the alignment marks on the pulley &
sprocket.
> > >> When you reset it, make sure you follow the alignment procedure
exactly &
> > >> verify that its correct before you put it all back together.
> > >>
> > >> On 8/3/03 8:11 PM, in article
> > >> billbjohnson555-0308031811200001@pm5...dialup.fix.net,
"Bill B.
> > >> Johnson" <billbjohnson555@nospamhotmail.com> wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> In article <2BcXa.5405$It3.299535@twister.socal.rr.com>, "Davant95"
> > >>> <davant98@msn.com> wrote:
> > >>>
> > >>>> To all,
> > >>>>
> > >>>> We change the timing belt of my Honda civic lx '93 1.6, now the car
has
> > >>>> little power. The car run smooth on idle but on 2nd gear the car
will not
> > >>>> pull that much and battery light in the dash board will comes up
when the
> > >>>> idle goes low sometimes. I need to check if we connect the sensor
attached
> > >>>> by the crankshaft timing belt gear, will this cause the problem. I
also
> > >>>> suspect the tensioner adjustment is wrong. Any input is
appreciated.
> > >>>>
> > >>>> Davant95
> > >>>
> > >>> I have not seen this problem before so I can only guess. It's
possible
> > >>> that it is slipping or perhaps some teeth are missing or perhaps
there may
> > >>> be some oil or grease on the belt--causing it to slip. I have not
worked
> > >>> on a civic 93 but if you can run the car on idle while the cover of
timing
> > >>> belt has been removed--do it. Have a friend push in on the gas pedal
while
> > >>> you watch the belt. See if it is slipping or not working correctly.
> > >>> Another option is to take it to a Honda dealership and let the
mechanic
> > >>> check it for you. An expert mechanic could figure out the problem
after
> > >>> removing the belt and taking a close look at the teeth.

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

"E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message news:<BB541AEC.8F7A%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> I disagree based on personal experience. Many cars will run if the belt is
> off by one tooth, My VW rabbit slipped one tooth on the belt (a little rock
> got under it). It ran smoothly, but had no power and overheated easily
> until the belt was realigned. The symptoms were almost exactly what he
> describes.

...snip..

I'll second that. I replaced the timing belt in my '89 civic. I lined
up the cam and crank sprockets and put the belt in place. I was paying
attention to setting the tension of the belt, and didn't realize that
I was putting the crank sprocket 1 tooth ahead of the cam in doing so.
This retarded the mechanical timing -- valvetrain timing retarded with
reference to the crankshaft timing. This caused extremely poor power
below 3000 rpm. Around 3000 RPM, things picked up -- almost normal
power. Took it back apart, re-set mechanical timing, engine works
properly -- lesson learned.

If this is the case with the OP's car, he will need to adjust the
crank sprocket 1 tooth clockwise to fix. And double-triple check the
alignment marks in accordance to the repair manual!
A timing belt that is one tooth out will not bang up your valves or
cause your engine to immediately melt down. It will just operate VERY
poorly. Just take it all apart and re-check.

Hope this helps!
k

Re: Civic Timing Belt Change
 

"E. Meyer" <e.meyer@ieee.org> wrote in message news:<BB541AEC.8F7A%e.meyer@ieee.org>...
> I disagree based on personal experience. Many cars will run if the belt is
> off by one tooth, My VW rabbit slipped one tooth on the belt (a little rock
> got under it). It ran smoothly, but had no power and overheated easily
> until the belt was realigned. The symptoms were almost exactly what he
> describes.

...snip..

I'll second that. I replaced the timing belt in my '89 civic. I lined
up the cam and crank sprockets and put the belt in place. I was paying
attention to setting the tension of the belt, and didn't realize that
I was putting the crank sprocket 1 tooth ahead of the cam in doing so.
This retarded the mechanical timing -- valvetrain timing retarded with
reference to the crankshaft timing. This caused extremely poor power
below 3000 rpm. Around 3000 RPM, things picked up -- almost normal
power. Took it back apart, re-set mechanical timing, engine works
properly -- lesson learned.

If this is the case with the OP's car, he will need to adjust the
crank sprocket 1 tooth clockwise to fix. And double-triple check the
alignment marks in accordance to the repair manual!
A timing belt that is one tooth out will not bang up your valves or
cause your engine to immediately melt down. It will just operate VERY
poorly. Just take it all apart and re-check.

Hope this helps!
k