I replaced my timing belt 5 days ago and made sure to set the tension right by rotating the camshaft sprocket back 3 cogs. I am 100% positive everything is lned up perfectly. The car starts strong (which shows that the belt is tight enough) but when I am in idle and driving it makes a whirring noise from the belt area. It almost sounds like a turbo charger (except my car doesn't have one). Does anyone know what this could possibly be? What did I do wrong? Thanks, Joe

 

I forgot to mention I replaced the tensioner and water pump. It is a 1994 Accord LX with 200,000 miles

 

The timing belt is WAAAAY too tight.

 

Can I loosen it by loosening the tensioner or do I need to redo the tension with the camshaft too?

 

Just loosen the bolt and let the tensioner relax a little more, or just back it off completely and apply a little finger pressture then torque it back down (be sure the timing doesn't jump a toth).

 

To readjest the tension, loosen the adjusting nut (located just above the crank pulley) 1 turn. Then turn the crankshaft CCW 3-teeth on the camshaft. Then tighten the adjusting nut back down.

 

I'll bet dollars to dimes the counter balance belt is waaaaay too tight.

 

it dont think it might be too tight. i think you did it correctly. i have experienced some timing belt noise after a brand new timing belt but usually goes away after a while as time passes. If it drives and feels fine, its probably fine. just give it some time to break in

 

I second the opinion that its Tooo Tite!

Measure the deflection so you have a reference for the future (after it stretches).

randy

 

I went back in there and loosened tensioner, pushed it in to release tension, went back 3 cogs and tightened the bolt back down. It doesn't make that bad of a noise now so I think it will work itself out here in a few thousand miles. Thanks for your help all.