I would have lost a beer bet. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

My curious nature got the best of me, so I tore it down tonight. What I found was a broken timing belt and an embarassing example of installer error:


<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />

The mangled bolt is a timing cover bolt. I remember when I installed the lower cover, the screws had been kept in the cover as if it were a tray. I picked out the screws, installed the cover and was missing one bolt. Figuring I must have missed one on the last install, I got an extra from my parts collection. Apparently the mangled one was stuck to the inside of the cover and never reared its ugly head until the engine was running. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

This is one of the craziest things I've ever seen.... or done...... well, maybe not. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

The good news is the tensioner and spring appear fine, the valve trains rotate and the damage seems to be confined to the belt and upper timing cover..... and I'm reminded of why I like the SOHC 12v non-interference engine. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Maybe I can get it running tomorrow.... if I don't hurt too bad from kicking my own <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

Frank