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Hello,

I have a 2000 LX, stock engine. I had the timing belt+water pump replaced ~ 30k ago. Since then, I had overheating and distributor issues (twice (each( ))), however they were completely unrelated to the belt+pump. The engine sounded fine, when I fixed those issues as they came. However, with the last distributor problem, the engine started making weird, inconsistent 'clicking' noises. I drove it for a while, due to lack of time.

The noise seemed to be isolated the the number four cylinder. I finally got around to doing a valve adjustment. Number four was a bit off, but nothing too serious. First time starting up, and the engine sounded *nice*. However, after about an hour of driving, the 'clicking' noises came back, and this time wasn't isolated, was simply all over the place. I checked the valves again, and everything was just fine.

But I noticed that the timing belt was pretty loose. I also noticed that the edges were somewhat frayed.

I tried to adjust the tension, however, the 14mm bolt wouldn't budge. It's seized or something.

I've attached pictures showing the how much I can twist the timing belt, both sides, when the camshaft was in the 12 o'clock position, confirmed on the crank pulley. I've also attached a picture of the fraying edge, but that didn't come out as well. It's worse than the picture shows.

I've ordered a new belt + tensioner, and I'll get them installed by the next weekend.

I was wondering if any of you had advice on what to look for when replacing it. Specifically, is there anything that could have caused to stretch out and fray so quickly.

Thanks!

Sorry for the massive picture size.

Some threads are becoming frayed in many of the valleys of the belt.
Front of the belt. It's actually looser, I wasn't pushing that hard.
This can't be good.

 
Rep Power: 518

Low quality belt? What brand is it?
Tension incorrectly adjusted during previous work?
Contaminated during previous work?

 
Rep Power: 0

This belt I believe I bought OEM.

It's possible that the tensioner was over-tightened, as its attaching bolt is practically impossible to loosen. I'll be sure to make sure that it's torqued correctly.

Thanks for the reply!

 
Rep Power: 518

I meant incorrect belt tension during last work, not bolt tension.

Not necessarily, those just end up very tight after being in there for years. Use a good 6 point socket and long handle

 
Rep Power: 0

Update: Fixed everything. As it turns out, the tensioner bolt was just very tight. I had to get the lower cover off to get it off. As it happens, the tensioner was shot, so I replaced that as well as the timing belt. The timing belt wasn't as bad as I originally thought it was, it probably could have lasted quite a few more miles. However to be on the safe side, I replaced it.

The engine now runs silky smooth (for 255k). I listened to the old tensioner while it was spinning, and it was making the noises that I was worried about initially.

Otherwise the installation went smoothly (other than the crank pulley bolt - fun times with a breaker-bar lol), all's well that ends well.

Thanks for the replies

 
Rep Power: 222

did you use an oem tensioner?

 
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I'm not sure. The tensioner is from Koyo, which I believe is the same company that supplied the OEM.