I've got a '93 si, 5spd, hback, ugly teal... recently replaced its broken alternator w/ a '94 piece. Worked great for 2 weeks, now I've got a loping idle.

Question: Would the 94 alternator cause the loping idle?

I *think* I need to replace the timing chain, and I *think* that should cure the idle problem... But, I'm trying to figure out if the different alternator could cause this, too.

 

hmmm... alternator causing this?... hmmm sounds funny..

my first check would be for vaccum leaks. THats what caused a horrible idle on my 95Si. For some reason i don't think an alternator would cause this..

 

Just trying to rule everything out...
I couldn't find any vacuum leaks.
The possibility of the alternator causing the problem didn't sound logical to me, but after the trouble I've had w/ one of my OBD2 trucks... I never know what to expect anymore. Especially since I don't know much about Hondas. YES. I know my civic is not an OBD2 car.

Okay then... That would lead me to believe it could be the timing belt.. there's some strange noise coming from the timing belt housing. You think that's it?