When will it die

[jbuck1975]

So my car has been running like crap, rough idle, missing. Hard to start like its not getting fuel. And it seems that when im going down the highway its like the rpms are way to high. It seems to have all started when I changed the cam seal. I think I've adjusted the timing correctly. Its getting to the point that I'm just waiting for the day it leaves me stranded on the side of the road.

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[jbuck1975]

Good it be my timing is still off?

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[georgeb]

If the belt placement is the only thing that was possibly altered in the cam seal change that's where you need to start.

[jbuck1975]

I adjusted the belt a hair yesterday. Now it seems to run better, but the exhaust seems to be strong.

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[iceracerdude]

So "strong" like too much gas!? As opposed to not enough fuel like you originally suggested?

[jbuck1975]

Yes

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[WmWatt]

Have you cleaned the ignition components (wires, plugs, cap, rotor)? Are the ignition wires crimped on tight? Ignition components are not one of the Festiva's strongest points (pardon the pun).

[georgeb]

I adjusted the belt a hair yesterday. Now it seems to run better, but the exhaust seems to be strong.

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Sounds like your guessing with the belt. There is only one way it goes on. Make sure that it is right before you change anything else.

[jbuck1975]

Sounds like your guessing with the belt. There is only one way it goes on. Make sure that it is right before you change anything else.

I don't understand. I aligned everything and someone in the past said it my be off by a tooth. So I moved it by one.

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[georgeb]

I don't understand. I aligned everything and someone in the past said it my be off by a tooth. So I moved it by one.

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That person also was guessing. You need to be 100 percent sure that the belt timing is right on before you proceed. I align mine by the crank keyway at 12 o'clock instead of the marks on the cover (because the cover is off when I do it).

[jbuck1975]

Yes. I did it at 12 and 3 on the cam shaft marks and the T on the crankshaft

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[georgeb]

Yes. I did it at 12 and 3 on the cam shaft marks and the T on the crankshaft

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Was that before or after you moved it a tooth? I do not use the pulley/cover crank position method because there are 2 marks on the cover and I can't find the mark on my pulley. Plus the cover and pulley are off when I install the belt. But if the crank keyway is at 12 o'clock it is right.

[jbuck1975]

Before. Now its like at 11:58 or :59


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[georgeb]

Before. Now its like at 11:58 or :59


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It's not horseshoes! There is only one acceptable setting for the timing belt and you must return it to that setting to eliminate it as a cause of your problem.