Need Help Diagnosing Bad Timing...

BosnianLanos · Post by **BosnianLanos** » Sat May 24, 2008 11:20 pm

Did some work on the green Lanos today, solved the issue of the squealing noise (alternator bearing), and the constantly-on fans (Unplugged coolant temp sensor

). Reset the ECU and turned her on. Came on fine, normal temps, good noises, no smoke from the exhaust, no CEL. Let it idle for about 45 minutes under full load, all lights and AC on, and all went well.

But I'm pretty sure my timing is still off...The engine shudder is constant and pronounced. Not extreme, but noticeable in idle. The exhaust stream is not uniform, and there are some puffs and sputters, not smooth like the red Lanos. The engine also seems to lack power. After taking it for a test drive and a WOT run, the car got up to speed just fine, but this triggered the CEL. This screams TIMING to me. I put the belt on myself and I easily could have missed a tooth or two. I have the spare parts to get the belt changed, but I did this like 15,000 miles ago, and it costs me $175 to get done professionally.

Is there any way to check the timing with a timing light? Would bad timing show up in the CEL? Or should I just bite the bullet and pay the $175 to have the thing professionally done.

Thanks for all the help.

MMamdouh · Post by **MMamdouh** » Sun May 25, 2008 7:20 am

can this be bad injectors?

those does affect idling smoothness and performance

MMamdouh

BosnianLanos · Post by **BosnianLanos** » Sun May 25, 2008 1:54 pm

I actually have a set of spare injectors on hand. I'll give 'em a shot, not a bad idea.

daewoomofo · Post by **daewoomofo** » Sun May 25, 2008 3:34 pm

if you can remove the timing belt cover and spin the engine over (either by hand or the starter) till the crand is at TDC. look at your timing marks on the cams. you might have to do this up to 4 times as this is a 4 strok engine. see if the 2 timing marks line up.

MMamdouh · Post by **MMamdouh** » Sun May 25, 2008 7:49 pm

they might line up with each other but be incorrect at the crank mark

MMamdouh

daewoomofo · Post by **daewoomofo** » Sun May 25, 2008 10:09 pm

if the crank is tdc them it will tell you evey thing you need to know.

daewoomofo · Post by **daewoomofo** » Sun May 25, 2008 10:10 pm

actually its been a while since i did my timeing belt. i cant remember if the crank is tdc or if its off on another mark. either way make sure the marks for the crank line up and then see if the cams line up

Spider · Post by **Spider** » Tue May 27, 2008 12:33 am

Whats the code # ? That will give you a good hint.
If you don't have a reader? Autozone will lone you one for free.
If you discover your injectors are bad? And want to save some money? Do an e-bay search for "Mr Injector". I highly recommend him.

He will test your old ones (he sends his before and after test reports) and clean them for about $45.00 plus about $10.00 shipping-round trip. Mine were dirty and throwing "CEL" I could tell the difference in starting and running and even gas milage after he did his magic on them.
No more CEL as well.
And no, I don't work for him.

BosnianLanos · Post by **BosnianLanos** » Tue May 27, 2008 4:20 pm

I put in a new set of injectors (I have plenty of spares) and it didn't really solve the problem. The car has more power during normal driving and heavy acceleration, but the shuddering in idle is still there. I'll go get it check out today.