Valve timing issues ??!! (maybe)

djagh · Newbie Joined: Mar 24, 2004 Posts: 8

I have a '93 Legend Coupe Type II 6 Speed with 312,000 miles on it. At 275,000 miles I had the latest timing belt change performed on the car by the local Acura dealership. Ever since that DAY the car puffs out blue smoke after ideling for more than 5 minutes (this smoke goes away after a couple minutes of running it at highway speeds) and there's this terrible "rocks in the enging" sound that can be heard at idle. Other than that, that car still pulls like it was new and runs fine.

I'm wondering if the dealership installed the timing belt wrong when they did it at 275,000?? Is there a way to tell?

And, what kind of damage would this cause to the engine?

The engine has been PERFECTLY been cared for. I've owned the car since 48,000 miles and all service was by the dealership. Synthetic oil has been used since 100,000 miles.

What do you think?

Thanks!

Andy

mossman · All-Acura Enthusiast Joined: Jul 16, 2004 Posts: 39

I would take it back to the dealership asap. It sounds like the timing wasnt adusted correctly. Could be something more serious. Either way, it is their fault and you shouldn't be charged for any work.

djagh · Newbie Joined: Mar 24, 2004 Posts: 8

I took it back, a couple times. It was at the dealership for almost 2 weeks. All I got out of them was "the car has a lot of miles on it." I fully believe it's their fault but there's nothing else I can do. What I believe is that the mechanic that did the repair seriously messed up the car and the dealership is just covering it up. I only know of one other Acura dealership in my area and it's owned by the same people. So I'm sure they're on the same network and would see the service records. I'd take it to an independant mechanic but I don't know of any reliable ones here. Any ideas? I'm in Orlando, FL.

Anyway, can you be more specific about what might not be adjusted properly? I honestly don't know much about the timing belts.

Or, any hints / symptoms of what I could tell a non-Acura mechanic to look for (i.e. lower or higher vacuum, check valve timing, can you even do that?) or tests I can suggest they perform on the car??

Any info is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Andy

AcuraImport · Site Admin Joined: Mar 11, 2003 Posts: 387

I'm in orlando too, what dealership did u take it to? You can try to have your belts tightened up, and have your timing checked. The "rocks" sound could just be valve lash, a simple adjustment can fix that.
_________________
If you feel like you're in control, you're not going fast enough. ~ Mario Andretti

djagh · Newbie Joined: Mar 24, 2004 Posts: 8

Courtesy Acura.

Is there a way that we could meet up to have you give the car a listen? What part of Orlando are you in. I'm in Oviedo.

Andy

AcuraImport · Site Admin Joined: Mar 11, 2003 Posts: 387

I live close to UCF (waterford lakes). I'll give her a listen.
_________________
If you feel like you're in control, you're not going fast enough. ~ Mario Andretti

djagh · Newbie Joined: Mar 24, 2004 Posts: 8

Well then we're practically neighbors! Give me a call 407-359-0841.

Thanks!

Andy