| Subject: | timeing |
| Question: |
98 mits changed timebelt drove good for about a week now it has rough idle no engine light on smooths out after accelerating and also starts right up rechecking marks but have not took bottom cover off the top cam sprocket marks line up though and crankshaft mark lines up about 10% on plastic cover my book does not tell me if this to be at tdc would like to know before takeing the bottom cover off also this is a gst thanks steven |
| Answer: | Steven, If you originally installed the belt incorrectly, you would notice it immediately. For it to drive good for a week, then start exhibitting problems usually means something may have come loose, or worst case, broke. If you replaced the balance belt along with the main timing belt, that is notorious for being over tightened. When the tensioner pulley is installed again after the new balance belt has been installed, many over tighten the the balance belt. That can cause the balance belt to tear or even snap. At high speeds, a broken balance belt has been know to whip around and break the main timing belt. Another scenario is that the tensioner pulley was bolted too loose, causing the balance belt to slip a few teeth. Also, a worn out hydraulic tensioner can also cause this problem. If you have never replaced either of these tensioners, you may want to consider going back in there and replacing them. But if you want to try something very simple and cheap before going after
the timing, try replacing your PCV valve. I've had PCV valves that have
both been stuck open and closed. A PCV valve that's stuck open can cause
problems at idle because insufficient crankcase pressure is not allowed
to build up. The aftermarket PCV valves at places like AutoZone are decent,
but they only cost a few cents less than the ones you can get at the dealership.
If you have a Mitsu dealership in your area, swing by there for another
PCV valve. |