Timing belt job, simple question.

[EricGRIT09]

So, I'm in the middle of replacing my timing belt, and I totally overlooked one step before I took the belt off.

I lined up the camshafts, but I did not make sure that #1 piston was at TDC, so the crank is not in the right position. The belt is already off, and I have not moved anything. Anyone have the answer of what I should do next? I've searched but I just can't find anything definitive on the VFAQ or other threads. Maybe I am overlooking something, but if someone could help me out quick that would be great.

Also, I can't see the crankshaft timing mark, it is on the gear, correct? Its not the little cut-out on the back plate that tells the sensor its position is it?

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

This will help you with everything you need to help you with the timing belt job.

Timing Belt VFAQ

 

[EricGRIT09]

Thanks, but I've been using the VFAQ the whole time. I just managed to skip the one line where it said to make sure the #1 cylinder was at TDC. Now, I have the cam gears lined up, but the crank isn't where #1 TDC is. I haven't moved anything since I took the belt off, either. I'm assuming I can just put the new belt on where everything stands now, but I don't want to make a stupid mistake.

EDIT: And timing was fine before I took the old belt off.

 

[afsdsm]

Spin the crank to TDC mark then follow vfaq.

 

[EricGRIT09]

Spin the crank to TDC mark then follow vfaq.

WTF not with the belt off, right? Unless are the valves absolutely closed when the cam marks are lined up?

I just don't want to do something stupid, so I'm being extra extra careful.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Line up the cam marks and turn the crank until the trigger plate lines up as directed in the link provided.

 

[jdombrow]

i wouldnt worry about bending valves

crank pulleys hard to rotate as is, no way you could get enuff force to bend anything. if something hits it will stop, you wont bend anything.. i doubt anything short ofa 20pound sledge hitting a breaker bar could mess anything up.. and it would prob take more than that

 

[jdombrow]

just get everything lined up throw the belt on it, and rotate the crank 6 full rotations, if everything lines up, then your all set

 

[EricGRIT09]

Thanks guys. Looks like I'm just being a little too anal about this one. As long as the cam gears are lined up, looks like I can just spin that little crank as many times as I want to get it lined up

 

[92talontsibryce]

If I were you I would just take the head off and rotate the crank to tdc then get a new head gasket and throw some arp head studs in there. Then you know its at tdc and you beef up the top end a little bit.

Bryce

 

[afsdsm]

If I were you I would just take the head off and rotate the crank to tdc then get a new head gasket and throw some arp head studs in there. Then you know its at tdc and you beef up the top end a little bit.

Bryce

WTF To change a timing belt?

 

[EricGRIT09]

WTF To change a timing belt?

that was my reaction, too. I would love to but cash is tight, especially since what happened here was that the balance shaft belt broke and it took out my crank sensor. I also broke the harmonic balancer trying to get this thing done so there goes some more cash,

 

[romeen]

I doubt that you could generate enough force to damage any valves by slowly rotating the crank by hand.

Nonetheless, if you want to be extra cautious then go ahead and install the new belt and then rotate everything together then recheck and readjust as necessary. If the marks are off a tooth or two (they probably will be) during this temporary belt install it shouldn't cause any damage. Keep in mind that the exhaust cam rotated CCW when the belt was removed.

 

[jdombrow]

exactly my point, turning over by hand theres no way in hell your gmma bend any valves , think of how little force your putting on it compared to when your engines spinning at 1k+


like I said just get the belt on and rotate the crank 6 rotations...pretty sure thats 3 rotations on the cams if I'm not mistaken.

 

[92talontsibryce]

WTF To change a timing belt?

That is what I would just do. But yea installing the timing belt and turning it 6 times to make sure all the marks line up will work too. I guess I just look for reasons to upgrade my dsm.

Bryce

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Just rotate the cams so the dowels are up and line up the crank sprocket and oil pump gear and it should be good.

 

[EricGRIT09]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I guess I was just being too meticulous and careful

Everything worked out fine that day, no problems at all, and is running like a champ. Not a bad job to do at all.

 

[cardot33]

That is what I would just do. But yea installing the timing belt and turning it 6 times to make sure all the marks line up will work too. I guess I just look for reasons to upgrade my dsm.

Bryce

I wonder what you upgrade when you change your oil.