Q: Timing belt/water pump replacement

asked by on August 17, 2016

Replaced the timing belt and water pump. I noticed two yellow-painted "allignment marks" on the lower crank pulley. One is one the factory indention at 11 oclock, the other is at 2 oclock when the factory mark is alligned. Put everything back on as good as new opting for the factory engraved allignment mark. Turned the key and it does not start. The pulleys turn but there is no "cranking" like a normal car that is trying to start. It is a very smooth metallic "woo-woo-woo-woo". Also, stepping on the gas while it is making this sound only makes smoke come from the engine that smells like gasoline. I never had a problem starting the car before so the spark-plugs should still be good. Gas is getting to the pistons because when I step on the gas, burnt gasoline smoke wafts from the engine. Could alligning the lower crank pulley to the "second-nonfactory-painted-yellow-allignment-mark" be from another mechanic and the key to making it start? Thanks

My car has 200000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Do wiring harnesses need to be replaced?
As automotive electrical systems increase with each model year, so does the amount of wiring required to operate them. BMW says their current models can contain up to a mile of wires weighing as much as 130lbs! All of this...
is my engine a free flow intermediate engine
Your engine is an interference motor that may bend the valves if your timing belt breaks. If you are having a problematic belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-timing-belt), a technician from YourMechanic can come to your car's location to replace your timing belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/timing-belt-replacement)....
Jerks when downshifting and slow. 2005 Mercedes Benz E55
You may have a broken motor or transmission mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) that will allow the transmission or engine to move excessively. Also another possible cause is the transmission torque converter sticking when commanded to release. There are technical bulletins (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-a-technical-service-bulletin-by-parker-hill) to...
I have a new fuel pump and there is no fuel to the engine
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. A plugged-up fuel filter will cause an engine not not start. Get a fuel pressure tester and hook it up to the fuel rail. There should be a shrader valve on the fuel...
Eps light on dash
The EPS light - Electric Power Steering - can come on for a number of reasons. It can be as simple as making sure the tilt wheel mechanism is fully locked in place, or it can be a number of...
Serpentine Belt Keeps Breaking
The serpentine belt is driven by the crankshaft pulley and, in turn, that belt drives a variety of pulleys and accessories, such as the power steering pump, alternator, a/c compressor and so forth. The belt rides along one or more...
Rear suspension component failure
That Year Cabrio might have drum brakes or disk brakes on the rear.I'm guessing that your car has drum brakes on the rear. If that's the case, there may be something coming loose in the brakes that rolls around in...
Transmission not shifting into gear.
Either the transmission is slipping harshly or something broke inside the transmission making the gear drives not work properly. Make sure that the transmission fluid is full and red in color. If the fluid is full and red in color,...
Battery light is on after a new battery
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be having issues with the alternator or with the charging system's electrical wiring. Start by making sure all of your battery terminals, ground connections, wires to the alternator, and wires to...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Hyundai has become a force to be reckoned with in the automobile industry, as they have been improving many different elements of their vehicles – under the hood and with the exterior styling. The 2012 Hyundai Accent is proof...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Teenagers
If If you’ve decided that you’re ready to purchase a used car for your teenager, then you’re probably pretty picky about what you’re looking for. Likely affordability, safety, and fuel economy are high on the list. With that said we’ve...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Water Pump
Common signs include coolant leaks at the front-center of the car, loose water pump pulley, overheating engine, and steam coming from the radiator.