Hello HT,

My daily commuter (1997 civic HX manual with less than 20k on rebuilt engine. rebuild was only engine internals and valve job and I put it back together) it recently **** the bed and shredded a trimming belt while driving 70mph on the freeway.
I replaced the timing belt last month using the white mark for TDC as I did when I put the rebuild together because there was no prior issues or knocking noises. I’m starting to second guess the white mark.
Is the white mark the correct mark for TDC or are the red marks on the crank pulley?
After much deliberation and research I’m stumped because I’m reading two conflicting opinions.
I adjusted valves and started it up no issues no noises. Then I took for a test drive and noticed a knocking noise upon initial acceleration or load. The nose goes away after 3300+rpm as I continue to accelerate.
Any suggestions other than “take it to a shop or mechanic” would be helpful. I’m pretty sure I’m off a tooth or teeth. But would like a second opinion. Thanks for time and suggestions.

 

do a compression check, Im willing to bet that when the timing belt went, some valves got bent,

 

Timing marks are the pulley are not super accurate and can shift with age as the rubber damper deteriorates. White should be TDC and red is the ignition timing mark.

Really you want to remove the crank pulley and use the stamped timing marks on the timing belt pulley.

I think the HX might also be one of those strange D series that uses the cam timing mark on the plastic timing cover not the parallel to the head marks. I could be wrong so double check that.

Also if it shredded a timing belt it probably has bent valves now.

 

Compression check completed.
210
194
194
210.
These readings were consistent across the board from three different persons including myself that conducted the compression test.
Knocking noise is still noticeable.