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Timing issues???

M

mhhwilly67

New CEG'er
Joined
Feb 25, 2007
Messages
25
Still runs rough at idle. I'm beginning more and more convinced that my timing is off when I installed the timing belt after my head gasket job.

Is there any quick and cheap way to find out if my timing is all messed up w/o tearing half the engine up?

Other symptoms include:
-Oil light comes on on its way down when it reaches 1500 rpm. (but goes out as soon as I hit the accellerator.)
-CEL is out and no codes
-Drive belt flutters when at idle (can this be a sympton of bad timing, or can this be the root problem?)

I have replaced the following:
-GASKETS: Head, intake, exaust, EGR, throttle body housing, valve cover, exaust to cat
-IAC valve w/gasket
-MAF
-Fuel pressure regulator
-Air filter
-Coolent Temp sensor
-Fixed several wiring issues
 
mhhwilly67 said:
-Drive belt flutters when at idle (can this be a sympton of bad timing, or can this be the root problem?)
Click to expand...

If by drive belt your referring to the accessories belt I'd say take a look at the belt and make sure it's not defective with lumps/bulges or anything like that, all the pulleys at idle and verify they are not vibrating, same goes with the timing pulleys if you can get an inspection mirror in there. also, a good old fashion timing light might help you out, if you can even use one on these cars.
 
Upon further review with regards to timing issues..

Upon further review with regards to timing issues..

If it where a timing issue, would the car be running rough throughout the driving speed? It runs smooth over 1000 RPM.

I'm gonna check the drive belt and idle pully, replace the PCV valve and EGR valve.

WHERE IS THE PCV Valve? Best way to get to it? (Autozone guide and Haynes book kinda different...don't know which is correct.)

Whats the best way to screw off the old EGR valve?

Thank you!

97 Contour 2.0L
 
To get to the PCV valve you'll have to remove the exhaust manifold and oil separator beyond that I can't remember but I do know it was a pain. I'd search archives because I remember a topic on that from a good bit back that covered it well.
 
It Was The Timing!!!!

It Was The Timing!!!!

The cams were not TDC. Took off timing belt, adjusted the crankshaft to TDC, and installed the belt. When placing the belt on, make sure cams don't move. (Instead of the .20 inch angle iron, I used two small wrenches to hold the cams...it works)

The car runs very good.

LESSON LEARNED:
Make sure you tighten the tension pully nut...TIGHT...German TIGHT.

What I did do right the first time around is mark TDC on the cams with a sharpie. That was huge today.

Thanks for all your help.
2.0 L Contour 97
 
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