Resolved 91 Talon TSi AWD - Less power after timing belt replacement - did I get the timing wrong?

[MichaelWhite]

Short version: Is it possible for 4G63 to run with the exhaust cam a tooth out of time?

Long version: First off, LOVE this website. Bought my first DSM 2 months ago, a worn out 91 Tsi AWD. It was cheap and I knew I was going to get my hands dirty fixing it. First problem: burned an embarrassing amount of oil, particularly on start up. After reading plenty of opinions on this site I took a guess that it was the valve stem seals and got to work. It's the first time I've ripped ANY engine apart to this degree. Bought the spring compressor from ARP that someone recommended, and after becoming frustrated as hell with the timing belt, the special timing belt tools as well. Put it all back together, turned the crank 6+ times like this site recommended, everything seemed to line up. Finally started it up yesterday after 6 weeks in the garage and it started fine, and no blue smoke! Engine sounds fine, idles fine, I was pretty chuffed. Until I took it for a drive that is. I might be remembering it through rose-colored specs, but it seems to have measurably less power now, WOT is not nearly as snappy. It does stutter when hot and under partial throttle, but always has, that's neither better nor worse. That's a problem for another day. My question at this point is: given that it starts fine, idles fine, sounds fine so far as I can tell, can I be sure that the cams, particularly the exhaust cam, are timed correctly? Can the power loss be down to incorrect cam timing (it would only be a tooth or two) or would even that small amount of timing error have bent the valves? Anything else a noob like me might have gotten wrong?

Thanks for your help.

 

[serviceguy]

If the exhaust cam gear skipped a tooth you should be able to see it when the engine is at TDC, if they're still aligned then you will have to look somewhere else.

 

[pauleyman]

If a timing belt is right and you go to change it there should be no change in operating condition. It will run exactly the same as before.

 

[luv2rallye]

One notch off won't bend valves but it could affect power. Read step 22 "Note" here and also closely examine figures 11, 11b, 12: Timing Belt VFAQ (Timing Belt TSB - ENHANCED).

 

[MichaelWhite]

One notch off won't bend valves but it could affect power. Read step 22 "Note" here and also closely examine figures 11, 11b, 12: Timing Belt VFAQ (Timing Belt TSB - ENHANCED).

Thanks, that's EXACTLY what I wanted to know. Awesome resource too:

"Both camshaft sprocket timing marks should be in line with the top surface of the cylinder head (Figure 11)."

I have the Haynes manual and watched the Chrysler customer service video on u-tube, I don't think either mentioned that sort-of important point.

Thanks for the info, even if it means I'm likely tearing the engine apart again...

 

[MichaelWhite]

Engine back together, running much better. Thanks for the help.