Engine pinging after water pump installation

I have a 1994 Ford Probe. The water pump failed recently, and I put a new one in myself. During the process, I damaged the lower timing belt cover, and was unable to replace it. Other than that, everything seemed to go smoothly. Since finishing that job, the car makes a loud, slightly sparadic pinging sound, which increases as the car accelerates. I don't think that the missing timing belt cover would have caused this, but I really don't know what to look at. Is it possible that I somehow altered the timing, despite the fact that I did not remove the timing belt? I did have to remove and re-attach what I believe to be the water pump clutch, which was putting tention on the timing belt. But I don't think this should have changed anything. I hope somebody can give me an idea of what's going on. I'd be more than happy to provide additional information.

I have a 1994 Ford Probe. The water pump failed recently, and I put a new one in myself. During the process, I damaged the lower timing belt cover, and was unable to replace it. Other than that, everything seemed to go smoothly. Since finishing that job, the car makes a loud, slightly sparadic pinging sound, which increases as the car accelerates. I don't think that the missing timing belt cover would have caused this, but I really don't know what to look at. Is it possible that I somehow altered the timing, despite the fact that I did not remove the timing belt? I did have to remove and re-attach what I believe to be the water pump clutch, which was putting tention on the timing belt. But I don't think this should have changed anything. I hope somebody can give me an idea of what's going on. I'd be more than happy to provide additional information.

Prying off the belt may have adjusted the tension. the waterpump may also have a different tension. I would be cafe and get it retimed. im electrical guy so i dont know much more than that. srry :p