Help i need my car running again.....

[Blueflamedragon]

Hello i have a 2004 chevy aveo. the water pump went out a few days ago and i just put a new one in on monday 3/19/2012. when i isntalled it i got everything lined up and the timing belt put back on but i forgot to put the outer belt covers on because i wanted to see if the car would start and if it was in time. Well the car started and ran rough for about 1 minute..then threw the belt and as soon as the belt came off i turned the car off. What I am wanting to know is. What are the chances the Valves got bent and what are the "signatures" of bent valves in a motor? I have also realigned everything during these past 2 days and when i put the stuff back together and try to start the car it runs for about 30 seconds...then acts like it is not getting fuel and just cranks...over and over what could that be? thanks

[thehunterooo]

You need to check the valves the hard way, that is the only way. They may or may not be bent, there is only one way to find out. The timing could be off as well.

[Blueflamedragon]

do bent valves not cause a "sound" or something?

[Blueflamedragon]

anyone else have any ideas?

[charlieb]

hate to be negative but when engine is at idle it is 400-700 rpm revolution per minute so in the second or 2 that it ran with no belt the piston would have struck at least 2 valves.havnt seen any1 here yet not bend valves after loosing a belt.compression test would be the easiest way to see what cylinder has low or no compression = bent valves.

[rollinrubber]

You will hear a tapping noise coming from the engine. I had bought a 1999 Escort with a bent valve which then broke off and created a cantaloupe sized hole in the side of the crank case. The distinguishing noise is a loud tapping sound. Here is a Youtube video of a guy with a Honda with a bent valve.1994 Honda Accord w/ Bent Valve - YouTube. It should still run but very poorly. Its most likely still off time. I would do a compression test to see if there is a loss of pressure. Since it runs but barely, the time at which the valves should open and close should let you get an accurate compression test for each cylinder. Good luck

[petrified.rabbit]

hate to be negative but when engine is at idle it is 400-700 rpm revolution per minute so in the second or 2 that it ran with no belt the piston would have struck at least 2 valves.havnt seen any1 here yet not bend valves after loosing a belt.compression test would be the easiest way to see what cylinder has low or no compression = bent valves.

i go with this one, it makes sense to me.

[daug1502]

+1 on the compression test. easiest on the motor if any valves are bent. Make sure you know why the timing belt was thrown in the first place.

[charlieb]

just a note when you install a timing belt you a suppose to turn engine by hand(crank bolt) 2 full revolutions to line (track) timing belt because there can be a risk of throwing belt.(dosnt happen too often but....)

[Blueflamedragon]

Thanks everyone..got the head off today..turns out YES...2 bent exaust valves. Found a place close to me that sells valves for about 15 dollars each...its only gonna cost me like 170 dollars to fix my car.That includes the gasket set,new valves,timing belt (wasnt gonna replace it but as many times as we have put it on and taken it off..decided better to be safe than sorry.) Will keep you posted