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. will a car run w/ bent valves?

To answer any questions:

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.

 

Don't see how you could bend valves from changing a t-belt. He possilby did not align up the timing marks properly, If so, it would not run as good as it did beforehand in addition to making noises. I waited to get my belt changed until after 122k, and it also still looked new.

 

Some of the Mitsubishi engines are "interference" based and it takes a specific exact timing to make them work properly. I'm guessing the belt and timing is off. Just google something like "interference engine basics" and I'll bet you get alot of mitsubishi related hits. Some are and some aren't. I'm not up on which ones are and which ones aren't. The interference ones though are a pia to time right if you don't know exactly what you are doing as incorrect timing in an interference engine can result in damage if you don't get it right. Something like a timing belt is one thing I would pay the bucks to have the factory trained tech at the dealership replace and not do it myself or take it to a "second hand" repair shop.

 

he set up the timing belt tensioner incorrectly.

next time, take it to a mechanic that isnt an idiot!

 

Manybrews... Ding! Ding! It looks like you got it right!!


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.

Thanks for the help!