2002 Mitsubishi Galant Timing Belt

ALL_POSSIBILITIES

MEMBER
2002 MITSUBISHI GALANT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
166,222 MILES

I just had my timing belt replaced as well as getting a transmission flush. There are 3 things I've noticed; first, there is a distinct smell from the engine, like burnt oil of some sort and second, while the car has more power, there is a very noticeable change in the noise level "inside" the car (sounds like a vacuum cleaner). Finally, it seems to idle irradically, high idle when driving, slowing down and speeding up and very low idle when sitting. Are these changes due to the fact that the car has a new timing belt?

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi all_possibilities,

The new timing belt should not be the cause of the symptoms described.

The burning oil smell could be oil or trans fluid splashed onto the exhaust. Check for leaks or just oil/fluids splashed onto the exhaust while repair work or trans flushing were being carried out.

The humming noise could be due to failed trans mounting or improper installation resulting in vibrations being carried into the cabin.

This part is a little confusing, do you mean the engine is surging when stopped?

" Finally, it seems to idle irradically, high idle when driving, slowing down and speeding up and very low idle when sitting."

The erratic idling could be due to the battery being disconnected during repair work and it would go away after the computer has reset itself after some running.

Other possible causes are faulty Idle Control Solenoid, leaking vacumns, timing belt out of sync ( not likely since you mentioned better performance), insufficient coolant.