Accord Timing Belt

[Who]

Went to pick up the Accord (2001 2.3L 5M) from the mechanic's last night but it didn't seem right. They did all fluids as well as a timing belt/water pump servicing (6½ years, 90,000 KMs and only oil changes).

It sounded noisier, like the muffler was going, there was a whirring sound more on the passenger side and when you touched the gas the smallest amount when it was cold then engine went right to 3200 RPM for a bit before finally falling.

The tech said the sound was probably the new timing belt.

If the timing was off would it cause the RPM surge and hold issue (especially when cold) and add some tank rumble like exhaust sounds to the mix?

I was feeling guilty that we've never really done anything but regular oil changes and now we're actually regretting taking it in for service. This wasn't a Honda dealer but they were great when I had my Civic do great work and have done all of our non dealership stuff - great shop, but this tech sounded like a BSer and the owner's out until Tuesday.

[metroschultz]

Originally Posted by Who

Went to pick up the Accord (2001 2.3L 5M) from the mechanic's last night but it didn't seem right. They did all fluids as well as a timing belt/water pump servicing (6½ years, 90,000 KMs and only oil changes).

It sounded noisier, like the muffler was going, there was a whirring sound more on the passenger side and when you touched the gas the smallest amount when it was cold then engine went right to 3200 RPM for a bit before finally falling.

The tech said the sound was probably the new timing belt.

If the timing was off would it cause the RPM surge and hold issue (especially when cold) and add some tank rumble like exhaust sounds to the mix?

I was feeling guilty that we've never really done anything but regular oil changes and now we're actually regretting taking it in for service. This wasn't a Honda dealer but they were great when I had my Civic do great work and have done all of our non dealership stuff - great shop, but this tech sounded like a BSer and the owner's out until Tuesday.

Yes, if the timing is off the engine act as if it has a major vacuum leak. Take it back asap and ask if a different tech could re-check the belt timing for you.
If belt timing is off you can do serious damage to the engine; ie; bent valves.
If you feel uncomfortable driving, or it is still making noises. then have it towed.
The shop should pay for towing in this case.
They are probly not bad people, just maybe a little under the gun.
Humans make mistakes. Don't assume they are trying to F**** you.
You may want to wait till Tuesday so you can talk to the man who signs the checks.

Hope this helps.
PWKeim
ASE Master tech
Va. State Inspector
Lead Tech on floor(Weekends) USPS Fleet Maintenance
All Around Good Guy
S.

[Ryland]

I would take it back and tell them that something is not right, I had my belt instaled one notch out of place and it acted really weird as well, mostly less power,it might be worth stoping at a honda dealer and simply talk to a mecanic, tell them the work you had done and the problems you now have.

[metroschultz]

I feel you should allow the shop that started the job to finish the job.
Ask them to "make it right"

However if you are not comfortable with them then you need to see the dealer.
A dealer is the place to go for re-repairs.
They can give you excellent resources(documentation, Expert tech testimony, etc) should your situation take a turn for the worse.
Keep us posted.
S.

[Who]

Sage advice thanks.

Yes we went to pick up the car, but we left it there. We've used this shop for almost 10 years so we often will drop a vehicle off after hours and pick it up after hours. They've always made things right when any issues arise (like getting a master cylinder from Ford that would last long enough for my Aerostar).

This tech was a BSer though. When I called he had said that he had already had it out on a drive for a couple of miles and it was running fine. Why would he test drive it without even getting a phone call? It may have just been us wanting the EBH plug not to stick out the grill like it was (and that he seems convinced is the only way it will last). Arghhhh...

The owner's back on Tuesday fortunately...

[Ryland]

I only sugested the dealer, because often they know of commen mistakes that are made in repairs to their vehicles, like with the civic VX the commen practice of lining the cam pully notches up with the head is not correct, they have a 2nd set of arrows that you use insted, but unless you are used to this oddity you can install the timing belt wrong.

[Who]

Took it out with the owner Tuesday, They had relaxed the belt tension (that was the whirring sound - he said they always put them in tight and thought the Honda spec was too loose - nevertheless it was loosened) and taken some of the heat guards off the exhaust. It was all quieter except a buzz around 3000 RPM. That may be a motor mount since they get involved with the timing belt pump change. He said if the timing belt were out one notch it would run poorly.

Anyway, we'll see next week. Haven't tested the new EBH yet.

[Who]

Happy endings, and not the massage parlor kind - the Accord is driving like itself.

Dropped it off last night, picked it up tonight, SWMBO says it's working great. Owner called, the belt (he seemed to imply the counterbalancer but didn't say for sure) was out a half a notch - said it would be 100% better and it was. He was very apologetic... I don't want that same tech next time.

[MetroMPG]

Glad to hear it. All's well that ends happily! I mean well.

[metroschultz]

YAY!!