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• Timing belt diagrams
• Timing chain diagrams
• How to replace a multi rib belt
• Why does my engine hesitate?
• How does a timing belt work?
• How does a serpentine belt tensioner work?
• Car is making a chirping noise
• Car is making a clicking noise
• Why is my car making a rattling noise?

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Car Engine Timing Belt Problems

Answer: Check the water pump.  The timing belt drives the water pump.  If the water pump is frozen, it will strip the belt.  There is a very slight chance that the valves may be damaged or bent.

Question: 1998 Honda Accord, mileage: 46,000.  We inherited this and it is truly a gem - little old lady car with extremely low mileage.  The mechanic at the Honda dealer suggested the we replace the timing belt.  Cost would be around $500.  With this low mileage, should we be concerned about the timing belt?

Answer: Honda normally recommends replacing the timing belt at 60,000 miles.  However, with your low mileage and the age of the car, it would be a good idea to replace the belt and the water pump.

Question: 1998 Ford Escort, mileage: 165,000.  If I fail to replace my timing belt, will it cause damage if it breaks?  The car is running fine.

Answer: If you fail to replace a timing belt and it breaks, there is a slight chance that you will bend valves.

Question: 2001 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 DOHC-16V mileage: 70,000.  Hi, I am in the process of installing a timing belt tensioner and the task requires removal of a pulley from the crankshaft.  I removed four 10 mm bolts holding the pulley that drives the alternator and water pump, as the maintenance manual appears to show.  The problem is that the pulley will not come off the crankshaft.  There is also a larger center bolt, but the manual seems to indicate that is not to be removed.  It seems the pulley has a cutout in the center that fits around the center bolt.  Did someone glue the pulley on the flange?  I have tried prying the pulley with no success.  Any suggestions?

Answer: You may have to remove the center bolt to get the pulley off.

Question: 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, mileage: 108,000.  I need to find out the firing order for timing belt installation. The timing belt lost a few teeth and I've searched endlessly on the net to try and find out what the timing specs are.  I just purchased the car and was told it needed valve work, but after having the timing belt looked at it was discovered that it jumped time and it will crank but not turn over because it is so badly out of time.  I understand that having a professional repair it is important but I want to understand what exactly it is he will be doing....  Thanks for any help you can give... Thanks

Answer:   The timing marks are on each pulley, locate marks to align, Install new timing belt to reassemble.

Question: 2002 Ford Ranger, mileage: 90,000.  What would cause timing belt to jump a notch?

Answer:   As the timing belt wears it becomes stretched out and that can cause it to jump. Replace timing belt with new to recheck.

Question: 2003 Mazda Protege 1.8 DOHC mileage: 110,200.  The timing belt stripped.  I bought a repair manual and aligned the timing marks as required, attempted to start the car but it would not start.  A relative told me that the head was no good now as the pistons bent the valves.  The Mazda dealership mechanic said that my motor is a non-interference motor and the valves should be fine.  I even was allowed to copy the timing procedure from their repair manual.  Their procedure is the same one I followed in the repair manual I had bought which brings me back to square one!  Is there a flaw in the manual I was not told about or am I timing it incorrectly?   Please help!  Thank you!

Answer:  First double check the timing of the pulleys. Then try checking the compression; that will tell you if the valves are bent. Repair as needed.

Question: 2003 Toyota Camry, mileage: 61,000.  In the past I have always had the dealer replace the timing belt...what is the level of difficulty and can a backyard mechanic do it...thanks.

Answer:   With some mechanical skills and everyday tools you will be able to replace the timing belt. Remove timing belt cover to replace timing belt, reassemble to recheck.

Question: 1999 Nissan Pathfinder, mileage: 90,000.  I'm getting mixed answers on what mileage to change the timing belt. When do you think?   And, if it breaks, is it going to be a large repair, or just replace the belt?

Answer:   Your engine’s timing belt should be replaced at 60,000 miles.  It is cheaper to replace the belt before it fails.

Question: 1999 Hyundai Elantra, mileage: 100,000.  I am replacing the timing belt.  I have all the parts out of the way except for the crankshaft pulley.  How do I remove the pulley?  There is hardly any room to work with.  I have tried to remove the center nut on the pulley with no luck.  Each time I try to loosen it, the engine turns over.  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer:  Remove the starter to install wedge bar on flywheel to stop the engine from turning. Then use breaker bar to remove bolt.

Question: 1999 Honda Accord, mileage: 96,000.  At what mileage is it a must to get a new timing belt?  And, when that is done, should you really get a new water pump at the same time "while they're in there"?

Answer:  It is a good practice to change the timing belt and the water pump at 60,000 miles.

Question: 1999 Plymouth Voyager mileage: 110,351.  I had a timing belt go on this car and I was wondering if there was any chance of the engine not being ruined.  I do realize the 2.0 4cyl SOHC is an interference engine but I was wondering if there was any chance of the valves surviving such an ordeal.  I could not get a strait answer out of the service dept at the local dodge dealership.  They obviously wanted me to bring it in.

Answer:  One way to tell for sure is to replace the timing belt and check compression.

Question: 1999 Honda Accord, mileage: 98,000. I'm considering having my timing belt changed early. Are their any other repairs I should do at the same time?

Answer: Yes there is. With the timing belt service, the balance shaft belt, belt tensioner and the water pump should also be replaced. Also replace drive belts as needed.

Question:   1999 Dodge Ram 1500, mileage: 78,000. How do I retime my engine and install a new timing belt? What do I do first?

Answer:   With some mechanical skills and everyday tools you will be able to replace the timing belt. Remove timing belt cover to replace timing belt, reassemble to recheck.

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