Originally Posted by biglooney2
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it all has to come back off, if it is the timing belt the skipped a tooth. Get a timing gun and check the timing if the timing if off when you hold the revs steady that is your problem. adjusting the timing won't do anything that will just throw it out of whack more. The cam/ crank timing is off not the ignition timing so there is no quick fix.
After performing a timing belt change, does the ignition timing usually need to be checked/adjusted anyway? That is one thing I did not check.
If I do need to reposition the timing belt, couldn't I just remove the top timing cover (after removing the motor mount), rotate the crank to TDC, and check to see that the camshaft sprocket is at TDC as well? And if it is off one tooth, can I just loosen the tensioner nut, slide the timing belt off the cam sprocket only, turn it to TDC, put the belt back on, and apply tension? Then check to make sure that the camshaft sprocket and crankshaft are both at TDC?