I have a 1997 honda accord ex with a 2.2 v-tec 4 cylinder engine. My water pump went out and I had a cousin put a new on in and change my timing belt. It ran good, then I suddenly heard a knocking noise and about an hour later my harmonic balancer broke into three pieces. My cousin said that he had trouble getting the bolt off it and it was already in not too good condition so that's why it broke. Then he replace the harmonic balancer and when I got it back it had allot of trouble starting. The first day it would rev but would not turn over until I gave it gas. And I also noticed that when I got to 2500 rpm it would put. If I let off the gas or gave it more it would get past it and shift then be fine until it got up to 2500 again. The next day it would not turn over at all. Its sitting in my driveway now and I don't trust my cousin anymore and I am a single mother. I have been riding the bus to daycare and then standing outside for 30 minutes to go to work, and doing the same to go pick up my son and get home. Its getting really cold where I am and I cannot be standing outside with my 3 yr old in this weather so I need help PLEASE!!

Your situation is very difficult to assess from afar. My advice is to take it to Honda, who knows your car best, and let them repair it.

So you have no clue what this could possibly be? As a single parent, any money I do have goes to my son and bills. Honda will take advantage of me and the cost will be very destructive. That is simply not an option for me, if it was I would not be here researching.

If I threw my best guess at this I'd say when the balancer broke, it did damage to the crank sensor or the reluctor it receives from. Listen to Tex's advice!
Without this signal, the engine won't start.

But the engine did start a few times when I gave it gas. Could it be that my timing belt needs to be re timied?

In 2-1/2 years of helping people at AskMeHelpDesk.com, I cannot remember one do-it-yourselfer who has successfully replaced the timing belt on a Honda. A number have tried, but severe engine damage resulted in most cases. Since most Hondas have "interference" engines, severe valve and piston damage takes place, when the job is not done properly. I believe, for most people, heavy-duty engine and transmission work is best left to the dealer. Therefore, proceed very carefully! If in doubt, have your car towed for repair.

. If you are convinced this is not your situation, then perform the tests, in Sections A and B below, if your car cranks but won't start:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563.html

Ignition Control Modules (ICMs) and coils are responsible for a lot of performance problems on Hondas:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563-4.html#post265896

I recommend replacing the ICM and coil on all Hondas every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first.

. If the engine (starter motor) doesn't crank, follow the steps in the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563-3.html#post235560

Hope this helps.

If I have severe valve and piston damage would the engine start at all?

Any valve and piston damage is severe. My concern is your statement, "I suddenly heard a knocking noise." It might start and run for a while, then it will certainly die.

Another option, Ask around for a reputable repair shop, call them and have it towed in for a look see. Be a lot cheaper than the dealer.


Mike