OK. Did a little preventive maintenece and bring my 02 to my mechanic. He replaced my dad's 01 Diamante t-Belt w/o any problems. I was told I was all set and to pick-up my car. Go start the car and now the darn thing is maiking a noise. My 02 ran quiet before I brought it to him. It' sounds like the engine is almost knocking and ticking. Any information would be helpfull. To answer any questions:

will a car run w/ bent valves?

02 Diamante 63,000
Timing belt and water pump changed.
I inspected old t-belt.....It looked brand new @ 63,000
He said he test drove the car It' didn't make that noise.

 

of course it didnt make the noise for him, haha. I hate mechanics like this.

Yes a car will run with some bent valves, but it will sound like ****. I would do a compression test on it and see if he F'd it up. Also check the timing and see if it jumped. Alot of times they should replace the tensioner and dont so your belt just ends up skipping timing and these cars being interference motors this can be detrimental. But it sounds to me like the timing is off

 

Thanks nice quick response. Well, I was informed not to drive it off his lot after we heard the noise. So, I know he is working on the car as I type. My concern- is him trying to pull a fast one on me. Yes it did sound like ****. He him self said it might be a loose tensioner , or pulley. I hope that wont create damage. Well can't wait till get the call from him today to say whet he found. I'll post it and see what you guy's think.

 

well hopefully it was just off a tooth or something and didnt mess up the head. But its not like you drove it anywhere so if it is broke he has to pay to fix it.

But it was definetly a good idea not to drive it once it made that noise. I remember when mine slipped the engine sounded god aweful and it totally ruined the valves

 

Well, the car is back in the garage...my garage I should say. Picked it up last night. The mechanic informed me too much slack in the belt. The tensioner was loose. Not sure if that would cause damage, or not? On the way home, gave the car a kick in the butt. Didn't hear any funny noise, or felt any wierd vibration. I hope I'm good to go. I assume any damage if any would be previlant and the mechanic wouldn't be able to cover up.

 

well my only concern is if the tensioner was loose what is to prevent it from loosening again. You are supposed to replace that part when you do a T-belt. I guess only time will tell. Glad to hear its back to normal