Will not start after replacing the water pump?

JOSEPHPLACENCIA

MEMBER
2001 HONDA CIVIC
1.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

So, I have the car listed above that needed the water pump changed. So, I had gone through and changed out the water pump mind you the car started before hand, when I changed the water pump out and put it all back together, I tried starting it, but it didn’t start, so I checked the battery, and it was completely a goner. So, I bought a new one. Now it just turns over and really wants to start but just won’t start. I’m not sure if I got the timing wrong or if it’s the alternator.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,244 POSTS

Hi,

If the battery is charged, it should start regardless of the alternator's condition.

It is possible that you got the timing incorrect. Is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear? I may be able to tell if it is off.

I need to confirm the engine size. It should be a 1.7L. Is that correct? I don't want to send the wrong timing information.

Let me know.

Take care,

joe

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Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 9:42 PM

JOSEPHPLACENCIA

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3 POSTS

Yes, correct a 1.7L apologies and yes, I did not time it thinking it wasn’t a problem.

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 9:47 PM

JOSEPHPLACENCIA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I also wasn’t sure how to time it correctly since I was told to line the top shaft to face up and the one at the lower part of the car to face its certain spot, but when I lined the bottom one up the shaft at the top would never be facing up. Is there any way to correct this?

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Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 9:50 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,244 POSTS

Hi,

Listening to your video, it has little compression. That is likely due to a timing issue.

Here is my concern. This is an interference engine. If the timing is far enough off, it can cause internal damage. When you first started it, was there any banging or knocking in the engine? If not, we should be safe.

I attached the directions below for replacing the timing belt. Take a look through them and let me know if you have questions.

Note that the directions include the removal and installation directions. I'm not sure how you would like to handle it, so I added all of it. You may be able to reset the timing without removing the motor mounts.

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)