04/16/2026
ASE Master L**e Tech here
Just did my first timing belt job and I’m already questioning everything I’ve been taught.
Car had a slight noise so I went ahead and replaced the timing belt myself, lined everything up “close enough,” put it back together, and now it has no spark, made a loud banging noise on startup, and won’t even turn over anymore.
I took it back apart and I’m not seeing anything wrong so at this point I’m starting to think these engines are just overly sensitive. Everyone acts like timing has to be PERFECT but realistically as long as the belt is on and spinning everything should sync itself out once it runs.
Also don’t understand how a belt job could cause a no spark condition… spark is electrical, timing belt is mechanical… completely different systems so that makes zero sense.
Shop foreman is already hovering waiting to say I messed something up but I know for a fact I did everything right. If anything this is probably a factory defect that just happened to show up after I worked on it.
If anyone actually knows what’s going on (not guessing) let me know because I’m not about to get blamed for something that clearly isn’t my fault.
Trying to avoid the other techs acting like they know more than me when I’m literally the most competent one in the shop.