Michael Pardee wrote:
> "chibitul" <chibitul@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:1126405871.638077.191430@g44g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
>
>>can you detect that without taking the timing belt cover off? if you
>>check the ignition timing with a timing lamp and of course jumper the
>>service check connector to siable the ECU timing adjustment? can that
>>be spot on if the timing belt jumped?
>>I am asking because my 97 Civic does the same and I already replaced
>>spark plugs, checked the wires and the distributor, and I adjusted the
>>timing spot on. I still have to check the PCV valve though.
>>
>
> Exactly - the ignition timing will be significantly retarded if the belt
> jumps, so if you didn't have to adjust the distributor more than a bit the
> timing belt isn't your problem.
>
> I realize timing belts fail completely more often than they jump, but
> jumping is such a dire warning that it's good to check that first. If the
> belt has jumped, you don't want to run the engine until it's fixed.

i have a really hard time believing that a correctly tensioned belt can
jump. but based on what i've seen with my honda, and the fact that you
/have/ to have the timing cover mostly back on before tightening the
tensioner [making it impossible to "see" if the belt is right], i'd say
that there's a significant chance any belt that's been changed is going
to be loose. and if it's loose, it's much more likely to jump.

>
> Mike
>
>