1999 Honda Civic valve noise after changing timing belt.

DK711 · Posted at Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:19 am

Noises problem
1999 Honda Civic 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 130000 miles

I recently changed my timing belt and I had installed it wrong by one belt notch, thinking that I had it at TDC. Well I tried to start it and ofcourse it didn't sound right. So I took it off and installed it again this time making sure it was right. It runs good now but I have some valve noise when the engine is under some load. Could you tell me what this could be and what I can do to fix it? Also if I need to fix it right away or would it be ok for a while?

F4I_guy · Posted at Sat Jul 04, 2009 12:58 pm

Don't assume it's valve noise.

What does the noise sounds like? Are you SURE it was only off by one tooth?

If you are sure it's valve noise, do a compression test to see if you bent a valve because you do have an interference engine. If that checks out, do a valve adjustment.

DK711 · Posted at Sun Jul 05, 2009 11:26 am

You know the sound when an engine has alot of miles on it and you hear that valve noise, well thats what it sounds like. Im certain it was off one tooth because thats how much I needed to move it. I will do a compression test and see if anything comes up. What do you mean by interference engine? Thanks for your help on this. I appreciate it.

merlin2021 · Posted at Sun Jul 05, 2009 1:25 pm

Intereferance engines will hit piston to valve if the belt breaks, or is installed wrong, this may bend the valve, or break the guide, or both.