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Car Engine Timing Belt Problems
Question: 1992 Toyota Pickup, mileage: 105,000. I live in CA
and this truck has always passed smog with flying colors. It still does as far as
emissions are concerned, and runs well too. However, the smog test shop told me
my ignition timing was way advanced, and I confirmed it (about 25 degrees). When
I adjust it to spec. (5 degrees with the check pins shorted), it barely runs. The
timing has never been touched before. How could it run so lousy with the correct
timing? Is there something else that has stretched (timing chain?) or is bad, like
the throttle position sensor? No engine warning lights have ever come on.
Answer: It sounds like your distributor advance is stuck in the
full advance mode, Replace distributor with new to repair problem.
Question: 1992 Honda Accord, miles: 189,000. While timing my Honda with
a timing light, I noticed the advance mark did not move when I revved the engine.
What could be wrong?
Answer: A common problem with older Honda distributors (this is true for
a lot of older car makes) is the advance shaft in the distributor seizes up causing
no spark advance. Take the distributor cap off and manually move the rotor button.
It should move with a springing action. If not it must be disassembled, freed up
and lubed. On newer cars, the computer controls the advance and there is no mechanical
advance in the distributor.
Question: 1999 Toyota Camry, mileage: 140,000. Hello, My timing
is about 15 degrees too far advanced after retarding it as much as possible by rotating
the distributor. My question is: what is the most likely cause of this problem,
a slipped timing belt, a distributor problem, or something else. I would appreciate
your insight in this matter. Thanks
Answer: If the timing belt has recently been replaced, there is a chance
that the sprocket that drives the distributor was aligned incorrectly, or the belt
has gotten loose and has jumped a tooth or two.
Question: 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee mileage: 114,000. Gentlemen, My once
trusty Jeep has been sitting for a while now and is badly out of time, or so it
seems. It will start, but it misses badly. I cannot even move the truck for it will
stall. I have checked the plugs and wires, which were all recently replaced, and
even the cap and rotor, which all seem in good condition. Get this, I can even remove
one of the plug wires while it is running, and it runs the same! I'm really confused.
Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Answer: Check the choke assembly on the carburetor that it is functioning
properly. Have the engine scoped to isolate the problem. Are the spark plug wires
installed correctly? The proper firing order?
Question: 1999 Honda Accord mileage: 88,000. I'm considering having my
timing belt changed early. Are their any other repairs I should do at the same time?
Answer: With the timing belt service, the balance shaft belt, belt tensioner
and the water pump should also be replaced. Flush cooling system to refill as needed.
Question: 2002 Dodge Caravan mileage: 75,000. How do I retime
my engine and install a new timing belt? What do I do first?
Answer: A auto repair manual will have diagrams showing locations
of each timing marks on the sprockets. The manual also gives step-by-step instructions.
Question: 1994 Chevrolet Astro, miles: 67,000.
How do I check and adjust the timing on it.
Answer: Disconnect the tan/black wire EST (electronic spark
timing) by-pass connector located near the heater housing in the engine compartment
on the S/T series, or near the distributor on all other V-6 models. Do not
disconnect the four- (4) wire connector at distributor. Connect the timing light
to the No. 1 spark plug wire. Check timing and adjust to "0" degrees BTDC. With
the engine off, reconnect the EST by-pass connector and clear the ECM trouble codes
by disconnecting the battery.
MORE: Timing belt questions
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