Question about timing.

[93Lzr]

I am currently doing a head gasket on my 93 laser and ever since I pulled the head have been worrying about setting timing again. I marked the cam gears where hey were and haven't rotated the crank at all. So if I was to just put It back together like that would timing still be set or do I have to go through the entire process of ping to tdc and linking marks up?

 

[dsmcurse]

I would do it by the book. Thats my best advice.

 

[93Lzr]

Does it explain it in the chiltons?

 

[dsmcurse]

Yes. It absolutely does. Every one sorta has theyre own lil way of doin things but when it comes to settin the Tbelt you gotta do it by the book and get it right. There are many write ups on here on how to do it.

 

[My1GLaser]

Never take a chance on an interference engine! The only way to do it properly and make sure it is correct is to set it to TDC on cyl 1 and follow the directions. It's a relatively simple process. Just take your time and double/triple check everything!

Timing Belt VFAQ (Timing Belt TSB - ENHANCED)

 

[93Lzr]

Any secrets you guys have? I have done a lot of reading, just don't feel like having to do a valve job right after this.

 

[DRTredHEAD]

Sounds like you didnt line up your timing before you removed the belt, so before you put the head on make sure cylinder 1 is at the top aka top dead center (TDC) and the dowels on your cam gears are at top. If you try to do this after you put the head on there is a very good chance you'll bend the valves. For future reference always before removing your timing belt make sure you line up your timing marks then mark them. Never just remove the belt.

Also when you go to put the belt on put it on the exhaust cam first and clamp or zip tie it. You will then have to use a wrench to turn it towards the fire wall a couple teeth to line up the cam marks and hold tension while you put the belt over the intake cam, then clamp or zipp tie it to the intake as well to keep it from slipping while you put the rest of the belt on. When done double and triple check al marks and rotate engine 6 full cycles and recheck marks and tension. If you feel any resistance stop reverse rotate it back to TDC and start over. Leave the spark plugs out till your done so you dont confuse compression with resistance