- Disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid any electrical accidents.
- Securely lift your vehicle with a jack and jack stands. Always prioritize safety when working underneath a raised vehicle.
- Remove any components obstructing access to the timing belt, such as the engine splash shield and the drive belts.
- Carefully align the crankshaft pulley's TDC (Top Dead Center) mark with the timing mark on the engine. This step ensures that the engine pistons are in the correct position for belt removal and installation.
Step 2: Removing the Old Timing Belt
- Locate the timing belt tensioner pulley. On some 1994 Accord 16-valve models, it's a spring-loaded pulley; on others, it's hydraulic.
- For spring-loaded tensioners: Press down on the tensioner with your fingers or a suitable tool to release the tension on the belt.
For hydraulic tensioners: Insert a suitable wrench or tool into the tensioner's release hole to rotate it and relieve tension.
- Once the tension is released, slip off the old timing belt from the pulleys and remove it completely from the engine.
Step 3: Installing the New Timing Belt
- Start by aligning the timing marks on the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys with their respective marks on the engine block. This step ensures proper timing when the belt is installed.
- Place the new timing belt onto the crankshaft pulley, making sure it sits correctly in the grooves.
- Next, install the belt onto the camshaft pulleys, again ensuring proper alignment with the timing marks.
- Rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise by one full revolution to double-check the alignment of all timing marks. If necessary, make adjustments until all marks line up correctly.
Step 4: Tensioning the Timing Belt
- Locate the timing belt tensioner pulley again.
For a spring-loaded tensioner: Press down on the tensioner and insert the included pin or tool to hold it in place.
For a hydraulic tensioner: Rotate the tensioner with a wrench or tool in the opposite direction of the engine rotation to achieve proper tension.
- Check the tension of the timing belt by pressing down on it halfway between the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys. The belt should deflect about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6.35 to 12.7 mm). If needed, adjust the tensioner accordingly.
Step 5: Final Checks and Reinstallation
- Double-check that all timing marks are aligned correctly.
- Reinstall the drive belts, engine splash shield, and any other components you removed earlier.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Step 6: Engine Start-Up
- Start your Accord's engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations that could indicate a timing problem.
- If everything sounds and feels normal, take the car for a short test drive to ensure proper operation.
Note: It's crucial to follow the correct procedure and consult your specific vehicle's service manual for precise steps and specifications related to your 1994 Accord 16 valve timing belt replacement.
