Resolved Timing Mark On Exhaust Cam Won't Line Up

[romeen]

Started my first T-belt job today. Since I'm using all new components I followed the advice of some members and just cut the t-belt instead of relieving tension using the long bolt. All timing marks were lined up perfectly before I cut the belt. The instant the belt was cut the exhaust cam rotated CCW about 2 teeth. When I try to rotate it back into the proper position it won't stay. When I release it it snaps back to this position. It feels like it's spring loaded for lack of a better term.

Suggestions anyone?

 

[govproperty]

They do have a little spring to them. I use binder clips to hold the belt on the cam gears and get the cam gears perfectly aligned. Then I make sure the crank is aligned. But you could put the belt on the intake cam then use a 17mm wrench on the exhaust cam to turn it so the marks line up. Then use binder clips, vise grips or I have even seen channel locks tied together with zip ties to hold the cams together.

 

[1992awdlaser]

The valve springs cause the exhaust cam to turn ccw when you let go of it. I always line both up with wrenches on the cam gear bolts. Then I let go of them. The exhaust cam rotates ccw and the intake cam stays put. Then I put the belt on the intake cam and secure it with a small pair of vice grips. Put my wrench back on the exhaust cam and rotate it so it lines up then put the belt on.

 

[romeen]

It's funny how the answer to this sounds so easy now that you guys explain it, but it just wasn't clicking for me before.

Thanks a lot guys, very helpful.

 

[prostreetdsmx1]

were you able to make it work? It can take two sets of hands sometimes but once you can hold the mark in line it's all set.

 

[romeen]

I didn't get a chance to work on it anymore today. I was tracking down an oil leak. Spun oil pump with drill. Since bolts were threaded in part way it was no surprise that oil came out of bolt hole for B-belt tensioner pulley. But I was surprised that oil also came out of the bolt hole for the bottom bolt of auto tensioner. I didn't know about that one.

What type of thread sealant do you use on these?

 

[hydrastas]

yea these are oil filled tensioners, the haynes said if the tensioner was leaking replace it. this is related to the topic so i was just curious if having the exhaust cam off a tooth in either direction would have any effects good/bad on the turbo spoolup?

 

[steve]

I think the oil is from it not being bolted down and sealing the oil passages behind the front cover

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Don't try to line the exhaust cam up with the intake to start with. Put the belt on it and clip it to the sprocket then turn the intake backward as needed to get it on the right teeth and clip it. Now you can turn the intake and the exhaust will move so you check to make sure the cam marks line up correctly and the belt is tight. Then string the belt down to the oil pump and turn the pump backwards to get in on the right tooth so that when you turn it forward to line up it's mark the belt will remain tight and the cams will stay lined up. You shouldn't have to turn the sprocket more than a 1/2 tooth to aid in getting the belt on and have it be tight when you line the marks back up. This way it's not possible to get to the tensioner pulley and then find out something is a tooth off.

 

[romeen]

Thanks Steve, the pic helps and good tips. So if I am understanding you correctly, the bolts when properly torqued will allow the front cover to seal the oil passages as opposed to the bolt itself needing to have the threads sealed.(?)

It seems like thread sealant might give extra insurance against leaks unless there is a specific reason not to do that. Opinions anyone?

 

[ohyeah]

I know is way later but did this get resolved? I'm running in to the same issue. Even when I do get the plastic cam lock tool in place the teeth on my belt and my crank sprocket line up exactly and the belt won't slip on. I've tried everything I can think of.

 

[pauleyman]

I know is way later but did this get resolved? I'm running in to the same issue. Even when I do get the plastic cam lock tool in place the teeth on my belt and my crank sprocket line up exactly and the belt won't slip on. I've tried everything I can think of.

Lose the cam lock tool. Clip the belt to the cam gears. I like office supply binder clips. Route the belt starting exhaust cam first, intake cam etc. If it doesn't match on oil pump rotate the sprocket ccw slightly. Same for crank. When you get it on roll crank forward to mark so all the slack is removed on the firewall side. If marks aren't on pull belt and start over. Once marks are lined up tension belt and follow procedure for checking tension. You must rotate motor around before you do this. There are multiple tutorials on this site.