Timing Belt Problem

[rhigh44]

Have a 2003 Honda Odyssey. I was following Eric’s video (purchased) on how to change a timing belt for this type of engine. Everything was going great, step by step. I was putting the new belt on, all timing marks were lined up. I was trying to readjust the belt on the cam shaft closest to the firewall when the belt suddenly slipped off and the cam shaft(closest to the firewall) turned or spun out of alignment.

Topic

[3SheetsDiesel]

Just turn the cam pulley that slipped until it’s back in it’s proper place. Spin it in the opposite direction that it went when it slipped, meaning that if the mark moved toward the front of the engine bay, turn the pulley toward the back of the engine bay until it’s lined up again. Then put the belt on and continue as normal.

[rhigh44]

Thanks! I will give it a try.

[Bill Ogier]

Old thread, relevant question…

I’m doing similar work with J series engine timing belts (2003 Pilot, 2007 Odyssey) and have purchased the VManual. Thanks 3SheetsDiesel…if a cam pulley spins out of alignment, I’ll adjust it back in the opposite direction that it slipped.

But what if the crank ever slips out of alignment? I’ve done some light googling and some folks say turn the crank CW only, and others say you can make minor adjustments in either direction. Assuming that both cam pulleys are lined up but the crank gets bumped/misaligned, what should you do? (I suspect that once the crank drive belt pulley is taken off, as long as it is aligned, it’s difficult to spin the timing belt pulley and would likely not go anywhere…thoughts?)

Just trying to cover my bases in advance so I don’t waste any time thinking about this mid-procedure.

[Bill Ogier]

Old thread, relevant question…

I’m doing similar work with J series engine timing belts (2003 Pilot, 2007 Odyssey) and have purchased the VManual. Thanks 3SheetsDiesel…if a cam pulley spins out of alignment, I’ll adjust it back in the opposite direction that it slipped.

But what if the crank ever slips out of alignment? I’ve done some light googling and some folks say turn the crank CW only, and others say you can make minor adjustments in either direction. Assuming that both cam pulleys are lined up but the crank gets bumped/misaligned, what should you do? (I suspect that once the crank drive belt pulley is taken off, as long as it is aligned, it’s difficult to spin the timing belt pulley and would likely not go anywhere…thoughts?)

Just trying to cover my bases in advance so I don’t waste any time thinking about this mid-procedure.

[EricTheCarGuy]

You can move the crank pulley a little in either direction without any problem. The idea however, is to line everything up before you remove the belt. This way you don’t have to worry about things being that far out of alignment when you go to install the new belt.

A lot of people have asked about the rear cam coming out of alignment. This happens sometimes due to valve spring pressure on the cam lobes. It’s not a big deal. All you need to do is realign the timing mark using a 17mm wrench. Don’t use a ratchet, you’ll have more control with a wrench. Then continue with the procedure outlined in the video.

[EricTheCarGuy]

You can move the crank pulley a little in either direction without any problem. The idea however, is to line everything up before you remove the belt. This way you don’t have to worry about things being that far out of alignment when you go to install the new belt.

A lot of people have asked about the rear cam coming out of alignment. This happens sometimes due to valve spring pressure on the cam lobes. It’s not a big deal. All you need to do is realign the timing mark using a 17mm wrench. Don’t use a ratchet, you’ll have more control with a wrench. Then continue with the procedure outlined in the video.

[Author]

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