My Pathfinder drives like crap after the timing belt was changed

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agirard71@yahoo.com - 28 Aug 2006 19:16 GMT

A garage just changed the timing belt and water pump on my 98
Pathfinder SE and now it drives like crap!

>From a stop, there is a delay when I push on the gas pedal before

acceleration starts. When moving, acceleration requires the gas pedal
to be pushed much further than before. Again, there is a delay and
then the transmission frequently downshifts seemingly two gears causing
a big spike in RPMs. The vehicle also struggles to maintain highway
speeds without downshifting unless I am heading downhill. Lastly, when
it is accelerating I have to keep the gas pedal floored to keep the
transmission from downshifting prematurely. Besides ruining driving
pleasure, looking like a "boy-racer", and the stress on my transmission
this is obviously affecting my gas mileage. I am down to 13.5mpg
highway (from 15.5-16.6 prior).

The garage is going to take another look at it. PLEASE pass along any
advice/ammo to help me get this fixed right and quickly.

Thanks

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Steve T - 29 Aug 2006 05:06 GMT

> The garage is going to take another look at it. PLEASE pass along any
> advice/ammo to help me get this fixed right and quickly.

They probably didn't use a dealer T-belt which has marks on it. The
aftermarket ones are unmarked and the marks on the engine cover are
confusing, it's REAL easy to get the belt off 1 tooth on the passenger side
camshaft going by the marks on the engine covers and they run exactly like
you describe.

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Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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agirard71@yahoo.com - 30 Aug 2006 21:57 GMT

FYI: You were dead-on right. The garage did use an aftermarket belt
and got it off a few teeth. This mechanic said the engine cover didn't
have any markings and these particular belts did, but the marks weren't
accurate. Either way, he ordered a factory belt and is re-doing it
now. Thanks again.

> > The garage is going to take another look at it. PLEASE pass along any
> > advice/ammo to help me get this fixed right and quickly.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> camshaft going by the marks on the engine covers and they run exactly like
> you describe.

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Steve T - 31 Aug 2006 00:59 GMT

> FYI: You were dead-on right. The garage did use an aftermarket belt
> and got it off a few teeth. This mechanic said the engine cover didn't
> have any markings and these particular belts did, but the marks weren't
> accurate.

That's what I figured. The covers DO have marks but they are vague and often
not easy to figure out which way to time the passenger side cam. It's like
halfway between teeth and you have to know which way to be "off" the mark.

> Either way, he ordered a factory belt and is re-doing it
> now.

That will fix it, glad he's honest and is taking care of the problem!

Signature

Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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