Hey guys so I just changed my Moms timing belt on her 2004 Accord with the 3.0 V6. During the replacement I probably should have removed the automatic belt tensioner but I didnt. I took the lower timing cover off which is right behind the tensioner and when reinstalling it a piece of it broken off and the timing belt is exposed in one small corner. After putting everything back together there was a small rattling noise comming from the engine. I could only hear it when in park while the engine is running and standing outside the car. When im in the car I cant even hear it. Im curious if the noise is due the the fact that a small part of the belt is exposed? Everything has been running fine for the last 2 weeks so I would assume everything else was ok but maybe im wrong? Should I be concerned?

Any help greatly appreciated thanks.

 

Hard to believe you could do the timing belt job w/o removing the serpentine belt tensioner, if that's what you mean.

The timing belt cover should be replaced. W/o the cover the belt will be exposed to dirt and grease. This could result in early failure.

good luck

 

you could try putting duct tape on the hole to see if the noise goes away, but you should change the cover . the only time I was able to take a belt off with out removing the tensioner was when the tensioner was bad. I was amazed that it didn't jump a tooth especially the way the driver of this car drove . I seen him pass up a car who was passing another car. when you replace the bottom cover look things over carefully. get into an interference engine frame of mind.

 

To clarify im talking about the serpentine belt automatic tensioner, not the timing belt tensioner. I did remove the timing belt tensioner and used a coat hanger to put the pin back in place. Then pull the hanger our when time to release tension.

 

listen for noise coming from the serpentine belt tensioner I have a stethoscope but a long screw driver will work BE VERY CAREFUL. look to see if it is vibrating . and when you pull back on the tension is it smooth.

 

When I changed water pump & timing belt on my Acura MDX w/ 3.5L V6 (similar to yours), I ran the engine briefly w/ timing belt cover off (crankshaft pulley installed) to make sure all was working correctly. Only noise was a slight whirring sound. I replaced both tensioner and idler bearings.

I know how you hate to go back in to this job, but the consequences of faulty part or leaving TB exposed are too great IMO.

good luck