Why does the car feel slower after replacing the timing belt?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons for insufficient power after timing belt replacement: 1. Excessive carbon deposits: Severe carbon buildup in the engine cylinders can lead to spark plug clogging and valve blockage. Solution: Clean the engine cylinders. 2. Fuel system malfunction: Unstable fuel pressure can cause inconsistent air-fuel mixture concentration, resulting in unstable idling. Solution: Consider replacing the fuel filter. 3. The filter element may become clogged after prolonged use. Also check the fuel pressure bypassing the fuel filter. If abnormal, it indicates a fuel pump issue. 4. Aging engine mounts: If engine vibration worsens significantly but power doesn't decrease accordingly.
A few days after replacing the timing belt, I noticed the car's acceleration became very sluggish. When pressing the accelerator, the RPM rises extremely slowly. I suspect the mechanic might have misaligned the belt teeth during installation, causing incorrect engine ignition timing. I've heard that being off by just a few teeth can significantly reduce power output. Additionally, improper tension adjustment of the new belt could also be a factor - too loose may cause slippage, while too tight increases resistance. I've also checked other components, like whether the newly replaced tensioner pulley rotates smoothly, since issues with related parts are common. If all else fails, I'll have to return to the repair shop for a timing readjustment. Prolonging this issue could potentially damage the engine.