Timing belt - Can I bump the starter with the belt off?

[decathect]

Unfortunately I wasn't thinking ahead and totally disassembled the timing belt stuff before getting the crank pulley bolt loose. My impact can't get it loose, and I have heard about people wedging a breaker bar up against the axle and bumping the starter to get it loose.

Is there a way I can rotate the cams to the right position so the crank can be rotated without the pistons hitting the valves?

I need help asap as I need my car back together to go to school on monday!

Thanks!

 

[Eoverbo]

as long as u can spin the cams and crank seperatly and they dont stop in any position you should be fine start with the crank and put it ten degrees befot tdc and then turn the cams once cams are set turn the crank back to tdc

 

[greenydsm]

you should be able to..with the belt off the springs will be brought back into the head. since the belt is off, nothings holding the cam in that place to make the valves get pushed down.

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

Uh, actually...

The cams will lock in 1 of 4 directions. You can take note which 'direction' they are seated via the alignment dowels on the cam gears.

If the dowels are pointing UP, you should be okay.
If the dowels are pointing left or right, there are likely a few valves that are open.
If the dowels are pointing down, a few valves should be barely open, but should be closed enough to not damage anything during the pistons travel through the cylinder.

Please, position both cam dowels UP to be safe. Don't just assume.

 

[19Eclipse90]

Or, since you have the belt off already, remove the camshafts all together and all the valves will be completely closed.

 

[doubleclutch99]

Or, since you have the belt off already, remove the camshafts all together and all the valves will be completely closed.

well put . plus 1 on that never take a chance unless you have lots of spare money and free time.

 

[asrdave]

camshafts off would be the best way

 

[Kev_tsi]

Have tried turning up the air pressure on the impact?

 

[DSM1G90]

ya, with the dowel pins at 12:00 position, all valves are closed (and take out the spark plugs so you won't be fighting compression when you swing the starter) since the valve springs snaps the cams to this position.

But, as for a test, put a wrench on the sprocket and slowly turn it around clockwise. If you hit a solid spot, a valve is down and is touching the top of the piston.. in which if you crank more with that wrench, you'll bend that valve.

 

[rlacasse1]

OR................Find an impact that works.

Then you won't risk hurting anything at all.

 

[BoostedBeater]

If you take the cams out as previously stated theres not risk..... end of story.