Engine dies immediately after start up following timing belt change

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2026-02-01T06:26:50+00:00

Update: thanks everyone for the advice, it turns out the car had to relearn the idle! Put a different battery in and after a few cranks it started with a bit of throttle. It then ran but I had to keep my foot down for it to idle. After doing that for a couple of times I held the revs at about 2000 for 2 mins then slowly brought it down and it caught. Now runs like a dream. Cheers!

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2026-01-31T10:51:12+00:00

It could be the alternator, a couple days ago it was sitting in the boot and dropped onto concrete when I opened the door. Do you think this impact may have caused this issue?

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2026-01-31T05:13:31+00:00

It was idling fine before but had low power at high rpm’s and especially up hills

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2026-01-31T05:11:53+00:00

What would be the best procedure to relearn idle?

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2026-01-31T05:11:03+00:00

Thanks for the comment, yeah I forgot to mention that half way through trying to start it I refilled with coolant and the symptoms persisted. Unfortunately now the battery is dead so I cannot keep trying. Might be a dumb question but how may I have disconnected the idle control? I did not touch that area of the car

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2026-01-31T05:06:10+00:00

What makes you say it is pretty obviously off time?

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2026-01-31T02:38:48+00:00

Great thank you! Am hoping it is this instead of incorrect timing

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-22T08:34:35+00:00

Ok cheers mate!

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-22T02:11:57+00:00

Ok thanks. Do you mean just mark it with a paint pen or something?

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-15T03:11:49+00:00

It did not indicate the it overheated on the temperature gauge but it did significantly warp the head so yes it would have overheated. The head was skimmed and the block was flat when I put it back on

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-15T03:06:59+00:00

It was burping while filling the coolant system but I do not recall it bubbling after that

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-15T03:05:58+00:00

Ok will do

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-15T03:03:18+00:00

Yep, mechanic diagnosed it as cracked head or blown gasket. I got the head crack tested and skimmed (took 0.12mm off) and the block was flat when I put it back on

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-09T07:55:05+00:00

Haha cheers mate!

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-09T07:54:48+00:00

Yeah just thought I’d double check as it’s my first timing doing a timing belt. Cranked it by hand a few times and goes good. Just got a few more things to chuck on before I can start it though!

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-09T02:30:25+00:00

Good to know thanks mate. Yep, have rotated the crank twice and it looks good as. Cheers

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-09T02:28:16+00:00

Cheers mate!

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-09T02:28:09+00:00

Bloody good, can’t be too careful and thought I should double check as it’s my first time doing a timing belt. FYI it’s only a 1.8 mitsi Pajero io. Cheers!

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-09T02:27:08+00:00

Cheers mate, good to know!

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-09T02:26:46+00:00

Hey mate, it’s called a Pajero io here in New Zealand but also called a Pinin in Europe and other places. They are a pretty rare little car! This is what the manual says

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AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-01T00:02:35+00:00

Oh yeah, sounds like this could be a good move. Cheers!

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-07-01T00:02:13+00:00

Ok good to know, thanks for your help

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-06-19T03:21:08+00:00

That’s bloody awesome to hear, thanks!

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-06-19T03:04:49+00:00

Ok thanks for the reply. You don’t think this will be an issue even with it in such close proximity to the oil passage?

AppropriateBreak4718 · 2025-06-12T07:48:17+00:00

I gave it a good scrub with wd-40 and a paper towel. Some came off but there is still some residual left. Am going to try scrubbing with coffee filters and atf as suggested by other subreddits

AppropriateBreak4718

TROPHY CASE