Timing set wrong. Possible damage?

[dhen]

Hi,

As I said somewhere else, I'm totally new to these engines and I made a mistake. While I was replacing the water pump, I removed the timing belt. When I put the belt back on I didn't pay any attention to the settings. It won't surprise any of you to learn that the car didn't start, although I could hear something that sounded like it was lightly hitting with every rotation when the engine was spinning. After a few tries I decided to RTFM.

Now I realize that I what I did was really, really stupid. How likely is it that I just damaged my engine? Here's a picture of the cam gears:



Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Darian

[articzap]

Its not a good sign at all if you heard hitting. If it was only one tooth you'd be alright but it looks like it might be more then one tooth. Hmmm.

GL

[float_6969]

Is the engine at TDC in the pic? If so, you're 180° off. Spin the motor one more time. To me, it looks like your only off a few teeth.

Regardless, if it was me, I'd put it on the right way and see what happens. You're not going to screw it up any worse!

[dhen]

Is the engine at TDC in the pic? If so, you're 180° off. Spin the motor one more time. To me, it looks like your only off a few teeth.

Regardless, if it was me, I'd put it on the right way and see what happens. You're not going to screw it up any worse!

It's not at TDC. I wasn't trying to mess it up, but I did bump the timing gear on the passenger side pretty good on accident, so I would be surprised if I was off more than a few teeth. But when I saw how far off the dots looked, I was pretty disappointed...

I'll try to spin the motor once more tomorrow.

Stupid question, but does it matter which direction I rotate the engine to get to TDC?

Thanks,

Darian

[jt15833]

I would correct the timing and check your compression on every cylinder.