Hello,

I had recently did the timing belt including water pump on my Volvo C30 about 2 months ago. Im a novice mechanic and forgot to torque the 30mm bolt on the harmonic balancer. Long story short vehicle lost power. Im almost positive the vehicle is out of time at this point and I know I'll have to redo the timing. How can I make sure all of the marks are back in place for the vehicle to run properly again?

Thanks

 

Unfortunately I seen that exact problem several times at my shop on cars that were towed in.

What happens is the crank pulley for the cam is damaged by being loose - and the timing slips enough to prevent the engine from running. Usually when that happens - the valves are bent.

Your first step should be to check the compression. Yours is an interference engine and if something slips or comes off related to the timing belts - you will have 10 to 20 bent valves.

Sorry for your loss.

 

I’m sorry I should’ve been more clear. I am aware of bent valves but if they were bent would the car start at all? I had redid the timing a couple of times but I think my marks are off as the car would start for a few seconds then shut off.

 

Whats the compression?

Timing being off will not make the car "start for a few seconds then shut off". That could be caused by a lack of fuel pressure or something similiar.