Use a ruler as I describe here (https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/i-think-my-timing-is-off-a-tooth.500744/#post-153571025) [click on the ruler pic] to get the cam sprocket notches exactly in the correct place (on the exact line with the bolt heads - not too far above or below) - shown after belt is tensioned. Here's a closeup of the cam sprocket notches teeth orientation (notice intake tooth must point between teeth on exhaust) - right where the ruler should have them sitting (https://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i403/fourgsixthree33a/Misc/cammarks.png) shown after belt is tensioned.

Read the red note on step 33 here (http://www.vfaq.com/mods/timingbelt-2G.html) [which means you may have to start with rotating the exhaust sprocket slightly clockwise (1 tooth off) first in order for it to end up correct after it's tensioned]. Clips to help hold the belt are shown on step 26. Steps 23-40 describe the entire belt installation.

Here's some other of my tips (https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/timing-belt-tensioning-tips-for-4g63-turbo.214625/#post-1791544).

When I did mine I ended up lining up the crank sprocket on the mark, advancing the exhaust cam an extra tooth, locking it then once the belt was around I removed the lock and tensioned the pulley. Came out mint!

I'll give this a try thank you!

I'll try these steps out tomorrow thank you!

Batey80 said:

I cannot for the life of me get it to time. the line seems to always go over to much or is under to much and I am fighting to get this timing belt on.

Click to expand...

When I did mine, I had to bring the oil pump gear and crank sprocket about 1-2 teeth BEFORE TDC, then tighten up the tensioner pulley. For some reason on my car I can't line up the marks then tighten the belt. Tightening up the belt actually moves the crank and oil pump sprockets a little bit. Just be careful doing this and definitely double check your timing marks before starting.

I'm definitely not master with these but you said that your cam marks are facing up/12? I believe the timing marks should be facing each other.

Can anyone confirm so then I don't feel bad potentially blowing up this poor souls engine?


I know for me, visual references are sometimes helpful so hers a helpful link and it will show the slight move in the exhaust cam when lining up the marks.

The dowel pins are at 12 and the marks are lined up. I think I've watched every youtube video made on this. haha

I am assuming you still have the balance shafts, right?

People get marks off because the belt on the firewall side is a fixed distance. If there is any slack when you turn the crank a little bit its off. Its easy to turn the cams back a little bit or turn the crank and oil pump back a tooth etc. When you turn crank forward the first thing that happens is the belt tightens up on the firewall side. Its perfectly acceptable to roll the exhaust cam back slightly and then roll crank forward. Youll take out all the slack that way. Line up crank and check. Everything is always relative to crank.