Hi folks,

I replaced the original cap and rotor on my folks' Accord, and it made an appreciable difference - it'll probably improve the mileage too, I imagine. I'm still confused on how to adjust the idle speed. I need some help, Honda-gurus!

Perhaps I'm thinking too simplistically - I turn the idle screw on the intake, and I expect the idle to rise or fall (CCW - out, more air, higher idle?). All I notice is a sucking sound that I associate with a vacuum leak, the more I turn the screw CCW.

This car has had a 'hard' idle for a long time. What I mean is that there's a lot of sympathetic vibration, more than I would expect even for an older car. At 1200 rpm or so, there's a sympathetic vibration that rattles everything. What would this be? This occurred DIRECTLY after a timing belt change a couple years ago (my folks didn't think to ask the mechanic), so I am thinking the belt is off a tooth. It used to be silky-smooth, when I learned to drive in it in my teens - now that I am a Volvo-freak, I don't drive it much.

Thanks!

Ari

 

Your statement that the vibration started to happen After the timing belt change points to the balance shafts being out of time

 

Aha! I though it might be a balancer. Since I'm only familiar with Volvos, please forgive my ignorance as I try to understand:

Is the balance shaft keyed to the timing belt or an accessory belt?

Can I adjust this without removing the timing cover?

This TB only has about 25k on it, so if I have to take it off, shall I put it back on or replace it?

Will it cause damage to continue to use the car like this?

Thanks!

Ari