Well I was tackling a 60k tune up. Fuel filter, water pump, v belts, spark plugs, and timing belt. After I managed to get the crank shaft off I proceeded to removing the timing belt as you are suppose to. Everything seemed lined up correctly, then again I will not deny that I am not very well educated in internal engine mechanisms. I put the new belt on and put everything all back together and cranked her over and the car fired right up, but was idling oddly. I took her out for the maiden voyage. I popped her in reverse and back right up, I got out on the road and put it in 1st and let off the clutch and pushed on the gas, but practically nothing happened. I was just coasting. Shifting into second about killed the car. I nursed it back to the house and now here I am, wondering what I did wrong, and how I fix it. Thanks!

 

Most likely you didn't get the timing right prior to buttoning up the timing belt. There are 3 timing marks that have to be lined up: the crank pulley, the intermediate shaft w/ the larger gear off to the drivers side a bit above the crank and the cam shaft gear. Most folks get the crank and cam lined up and miss the intermediate shaft. As it runs the distributor it's rather important to get it lined up .

 

So I suppose there is no way of readjusting without tearing it all apart again?

 

Yeah, that's about the size of it. If it's any consolation, every one does it the first time. Don't know if you did it this way, but when you release the tensioner bolt, pry it out and then tighten it down again. That way you have plenty of slack and don't have to fight it. The marks on the timing belt may or may not be correct. Frankly, I don't use them as I've run across way too many that had incorrect marks. I use a socket on a breaker bar to line up the crank pulley. The others are quite easy. Take your time and get it spot on...one notch off is unacceptable.