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My timing belt broke on a 2008 Hyundai Accent and due to being broke I decided to try and fix it myself. I managed to get everything off, two slightly bent valves on the head which I took to a shop etc. While trying to prep the engine block for a new gasket I had to turn the crankshaft bolt. It would move about 30 degrees in either direction and then felt like an elastic was pulling it back. I was only using a short ratchet without a breaker bar or anything but it finally released and now spins freely.

I realized afterwards though the car had been put into 1st gear prior to this. The crank now turns freely whether in neutral or first gear. Is this normal or did I damage something in the clutch/gears trying to turn it over in gear? Thanks!

*yes, I know very very little about cars

*all belts were disconnected during this, head was off

DucatiKiller
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Dave
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1 Answers1

5

It's fine

I did a similar job on a 2003 model recently. I kid car. Luckily, I didn't have any bent valves to deal with.

Turning the engine over with the head off and the car in gear won't hurt anything.

I know the exact feeling of elasticity you are talking about if you have the car in gear. I am assuming you had the front wheels on the ground when you did this.

Answer

You didn't damage anything.

DucatiKiller
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