Just changed Timing Belt...
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 41
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Just changed Timing Belt...
1995 Mazda 2300/ 2.3L
I just got done changing timing belt. What a job! While I was doing this, I went ahead and changed thermostat, spark plug wire and plugs to double platinum. Got everything put back together and she wouldn't start. I will say the battery sounded weak, and I started to charge, but rain ended that.
My question: What would happen if I installed out of time? What would cranking sound like? Everything looked good with my timing markings, and when I installed the outer timing belt cover the line on the crankshaft pulley thingie was on TDC, so i feel good that I got it right. However, since it was my first time, I don't feel 100% sure! Full charge battery may be the ticket, but what should I look at if not?!? I checked all plug wires, and they seemed in good. Checking again will be first thing I do if it doesn't turn over.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!
Thanks!
I just got done changing timing belt. What a job! While I was doing this, I went ahead and changed thermostat, spark plug wire and plugs to double platinum. Got everything put back together and she wouldn't start. I will say the battery sounded weak, and I started to charge, but rain ended that.
My question: What would happen if I installed out of time? What would cranking sound like? Everything looked good with my timing markings, and when I installed the outer timing belt cover the line on the crankshaft pulley thingie was on TDC, so i feel good that I got it right. However, since it was my first time, I don't feel 100% sure! Full charge battery may be the ticket, but what should I look at if not?!? I checked all plug wires, and they seemed in good. Checking again will be first thing I do if it doesn't turn over.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!
Thanks!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 4
From: Golden, CO
When the valves are out of time the engine does not build the same compression. The engine turns over easier, sounds way different.
The 2.3 has a sight plug in the timing cover so that you can check cam timing. It might be tough to see, you may need a mirror to see in the hole. Just turn the crank and get #1 piston to TDC on the compression stroke, line up the timing mark on the crank.
Unless you have the cam out 180*, it's just as likely you missed a connector somewhere.
I'm sure it will all look different in the daylight. Good luck!
The 2.3 has a sight plug in the timing cover so that you can check cam timing. It might be tough to see, you may need a mirror to see in the hole. Just turn the crank and get #1 piston to TDC on the compression stroke, line up the timing mark on the crank.
Unless you have the cam out 180*, it's just as likely you missed a connector somewhere.
I'm sure it will all look different in the daylight. Good luck!
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Freshman User
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Can I be off by 180 deg? I checked all connections and plug wires, and they were all good. I sprayed starter fluid in the intake on top of motor. When tried to crank, it blew the starter fluid out. When I stuck a straw into the spark plug hole I could feel the top of the piston. I then line all timing marks up and went to town installing everything back. Could I have been at top on the wrong stroke cycle or something. I guess I am about to tear it back down! I guess the second time will be a lot faster. I learned a lot the first time!!!!!!!
Any suggestions, thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Any suggestions, thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated!!!!
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
You shouldn't be out 180 if you checked all the timing marks before you removed the belt. It'll move 1 or 2 cogs, sure. But as long as everything lines up properly after the job is done, your timing should be good to go. As long as you didn't move anything with the belt off, you're okay.
I went through the same thing on my wife's Hyundai a few weeks ago, checking and rechecking the timing marks. Real paranoid, I was. Did plugs too, just not the wires.
I went through the same thing on my wife's Hyundai a few weeks ago, checking and rechecking the timing marks. Real paranoid, I was. Did plugs too, just not the wires.
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Belt broke so I did not have a chance to see everything lined up prior to putting a new one on. Bout to pull the pin on the grenade! I just can't break down and pay someone to do this, but I may have to!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 4
From: Golden, CO
Now that I think about it: No you can't be 180* out if you use the correct index mark for the cam. I've done my share of timing sets, always had a mark on the gear it's-self. I didn't see the marks on the belt guide until I had a bud looking at the pictures I took.
I made the mistake of thinking the paint mark was my index on the cam. I retarded the valves by two teeth. It ran like crap, but it ran.
I always turn the engine a few times and re-check my work. It's pretty common for me to re-index the cam two or three times and come to the conclusion I nailed it the first time. I sleep well at night. LOL
The good news is that you did not hurt anything by having the engine out of time. The bad news is that you get more practice. When you get the cover off, put your finger over the #1 spark plug hole (You took plugs out of all the cylinders...right?) and turn the crank. You should feel pressure build up as the piston comes up on the compression stroke. That is when you look for the timing marks to line up.
HTH
Speaking of spark plugs, I think 6 of mine were installed at the factory: Gearhead ****-Dirty stuff!!! - Rocky Mountain Ford Truck Club (RMFTC) Forums
I made the mistake of thinking the paint mark was my index on the cam. I retarded the valves by two teeth. It ran like crap, but it ran.
I always turn the engine a few times and re-check my work. It's pretty common for me to re-index the cam two or three times and come to the conclusion I nailed it the first time. I sleep well at night. LOL
The good news is that you did not hurt anything by having the engine out of time. The bad news is that you get more practice. When you get the cover off, put your finger over the #1 spark plug hole (You took plugs out of all the cylinders...right?) and turn the crank. You should feel pressure build up as the piston comes up on the compression stroke. That is when you look for the timing marks to line up.
HTH
Speaking of spark plugs, I think 6 of mine were installed at the factory: Gearhead ****-Dirty stuff!!! - Rocky Mountain Ford Truck Club (RMFTC) Forums
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Got her running. There are two diamonds on the camshaft sprocket. I obviously lined up the wrong one. FYI...use the diamond that is by the square notch of the sprocket. If you use the other, you will be 180 off! Thanks for the help!
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