Car will not stay running after replacing timing belt

GORDONK66

MEMBER
2001 HONDA CIVIC

Four cylinder two wheel drive automatic 120,000 miles.

Hello,
This weekend I finally took on the task of changing my timing belt/water pump on my car it is the EX two door model.I also put in new spark plugs a drive belt. After putting it all back to together the car starts normal, but immediately sputters and shuts off. I think it might have backfired as well. There were no disturbing noises so I do not think the impacts that can ruin the engine are happening. I have a buddy that is pretty knowledgeable about auto work and he seemed to think that the timing is a bit off. So I have a couple of questions.
1. Does the timing being off result behavior I have described?
2. With this type of car can I use a timing light to check the timing? And if so where can I find the procedure for doing that? I have the simple repair/maintenance guide from Autozone, not the full blown repair manual.
3. With no distributor cap how do I adjust the timing if it is off?

Thanks.

5 Replies

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

Thanks for the donation.

Yes, it sounds like you may have jumped timing or you may have gotten a couple of teeth off when replacing the belt and you will have to take it apart and check the timing marks.

The timing is electronically controlled and the is no way to set with a timing light.

.

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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 5:13 PM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

No other adjustment can be done
I will include some pictures for you hope to clarify things for you as where is the timing marks should be.
Pay attention to the crank sensor .
Let me know.

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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 5:28 PM

GORDONK66

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks very much for the replies guys. Saved me some time trying to figure out how to adjust the timing.

Just one follow up question for clarification. So after I get her back apart and need to find TDC it should be off initially correct? I expect to use my pressure gauge to know when the number one cylinder is being compressed, then rotate until the mark. The top sprocket should be a little off from what I see in the last picture if I am understanding the problem. So after I get the belt off is it okay to rotate the top sprocket clockwise a bit to get the it aligned correctly? If no how to I verify that the number one is in TDC according to the position of the pulley? Rotate it 360 degrees four times (bringing it back to the correct position)?

Great site and thanks again.

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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 8:21 PM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

You can turn the pulleys to line up with the marks provided that should put it on TDC.
Do not force any when turning the pulley if needed to turn much.

also click the link for more pictures
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/tec_info/2001/honda/civic/2001_honda_civic_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 AT 8:42 PM

GORDONK66

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I got it the second time around. Thanks for your help guys. Just for others having the same issue I think the thing to understand is that when the crankshaft pulley gets out of TDC it is fine to rotate it and realign to the TDC mark. I was under the impression originally that the crankshaft pulley could not be rotated without rotating the camshaft at the same time. They can be rotated individually, you just need to alternate between them to prevent impact (around 90 degree turns).
Thanks again.