timing belt broke

Hi there,

This is an interference engine so there will be engine valve damage done, the exact amount is unknown until the head is removed, as for the transmission this is also unknown until the engine is running and a series of test can be preformed, you may be up for a considerable sum if you commit to fixing this car.

mark (mhpautos)

So I replaced my timing belt today and the car is idling rough. The belt was off a tooth on each cam because I thought it wouldnt have enough tension (too much deflection) if I did it that way. Big mistake. Since I dont have a tool to read the deflection should I just line it up and whatever deflection exists is the right amount?
Also I have to use the car this week. Do you think it will be fine without changing it beforehand or will it be detrimental?
thanks in advance

Hi there,

The valve timing is critical, align the marks and allow the tensioner to do its work, ensure all is still aligned after rotating engine 2 full revolutions, back off adjuster and re set, do not drive with the valve timing out.

This guide will help you see the timing belt marks

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/kia/spectra/2000

Mark (mhpautos)

thanks now i have my belt off again but having trouble lining the Intake and Exhaust because it seems like im on the wrong stroke or cycle bec it keeps jumping bf i can get the belt on. Should i turn the engine over so that it is on a different stroke, ie compression, intake? also I am a noob but I have assumed my crankshaft turns over clockwise when i am facing it. is this the right way the engine turns?.....

thanks in advance

Hi there,

Do not turn the engine over while attempting to fit the timing belt, if you are having a problem, get a helper to hold the cam in position while you set the tensioner, the engine turns in a clockwise direction.

mark (mhpautos)

ok will do... but again if i put the new belt on teporarily can i turn the engine over to some stroke i.e compression that will make it so the cams are easier to line up? Also can I test the timing belt without the ac and alt. belts on?

You must set it up on No1 TDC, you will have no timing reference if you try and do it any other way, try this trick, cut a section of the old belt or get some thick rubber, get 2 small vyce grips, set crank run timing belt around crank and to exhaust cam, place belt over gear and put extra rubber on top of gear and clamp softy , run over inlet cam, do same with 2nd clamp and rubber cushion (do not clamp new belt direct as it may be damaged) this should hold cams in correct position and if they do turn in a little the belt will not slip.

mark

Having. A problem woth the timing belt or timing chain causeing the car. Not to start.....it puuuted til it cut off. And would. Start back up....is this something tht is costly and is this something tht. Is very difficult. To replace

mark thanks for that tip. One last thing if both my cams have dots which i can line up with engine at 12:00 and Lt cam has another mark at 3 and rt at 9 then if i line these up this will be TDC on cylinder one or could it be 180 degrees off?

This vehicle a timing belt but rarely last more than 100,000 miles. Best way to chech if belt is broken is to remove valve cover and crank the engine. Or you can remove spark plugs and check compression while cranking. Compression test with a gauge is what I would suggest you do. Takes about an hour and you can find out if you have bad compression if belt is still intact.

Align cam timing marks as per pic, tooth adjacent to cam indicator is the alignment point.

mark