Vcv079

I've been reading that my timing belt maybe off by a tooth or two which causes loss of power. Many have suggested to adjust the cam shaft and double check the marks, which I did before and after belt replacement. If I am off by a tooth, which direction do I turn the camshaft if I wanted to move a tooth?

At TDC distributor rotor does point to cylinder 1; timing light shows red mark on crankshaft pulley pass the mark in plastic bottom cover by 1/2 inch. On 96 accords the distributor cannot be adjusted like in other models/yrs. Look forward to hearing from anyone. Thanks.

tim73

Ensure crank and camshaft timing marks line up, while #1 is at TDC. If theyre off, then move the camshaft whichever direction will make them lined up properly.

Vcv079

I'll check again. But I was sure cylinder 1 at TDC and cam and crankshaft are lined up. I double triple checked it. Won't hurt to do it again. Thanks. Anymore ideas still appreciated.

Purple_Hatch

not only that but proper tension adjustment on the timing belt is critical to. a loose timing belt could cause a loss of power... have you adjusted your valves? i always recommend a valve adjustment after a timing belt replacement. if they are way off it could cause a loss of power.

Vcv079

Yes. I adjusted the valves too. Yesterday, I checked distributor and at TDC rotor was pointing to #4 and not #1. So I rotated the camshaft 180 to point to cylinder #1. Rotated the camshaft because on this model, 96 accord lx, cannot rotate the distributor. Car runs better now but still not at original power, before TB replacement.

v4lu3s

Still sounds like your timing belt is off. That is just about the ONLY reason it would lose power with the belt change.

I assume you are using the marks on the lower timing sprocket and oil pump to line up the crank, and the marks on the cam sprocket to line up the cam...

Vcv079

Curious about lining cam marks to cylinder head. Are those marks suppose to line up with the metal/aluminum edge of the head, or the black plastic cover piece behind the cam pulley? I lined the marks up with the plastic cover. Let me know.

Purple_Hatch

Vcv079

Thanks for the visual. Today I readjusted the timing belt. Made sure TDC and all marks on camshaft and crankshaft lined up. After sliding tb off camshaft pulley, installed back on exhaust/front part first and loose on intake/back. Then tightened back end by rotating CCW 3 teeth and tighten adjusting bolt. Rotated crank ccw 5-6 times to make sure all marks align, and yes they did. I even checked distributor to make sure at TDC rotor pointed to cylinder #1. Started car and test drove and still same. The car seems to run out of juice right b4 transmission shifts gear. And the engine is slightly louder when it gets to that point b4 the trans shifts. An automatic that sounds like a manual is what I'm trying to describe. Thanks for reading guys.

tim73

Id try moving it one tooth in both directions. That would help in diagnosing the culprit.

LogSM

How much will a new timing belt cost? Not that much I don't think.

GhostAccord

If all you want is a timing belt they cost anywhere from $20 - $50. If you are looking for a proper and complete timing belt kit. It can cost you anywhere between $80-$200 depending on how complete you want it!

Now if you are referring to this particular thread. It is just shy of a year old, therefore, I would hope the OP has this issue figured out by now.
Unfortunately you will find that a large percentage of the questions posted on this site will not state the resolution or a thank you from the original poster.