Timing belt install, cams one tooth off!

[mysunroofworks]

:gun5:

I can't seem to get the cams and crank timing to line up correctly. The damn cams just want to turn ever so slightly when sliding the belt on. Maybe a two man job for this??

 

[JoeT4R]

[MENTION=319302]Bad Luck[/MENTION] Input?


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[Eric H.]

I usually turn the crank counter clockwise slightly so there's some slack between the crank pulley and driver side cam pulley. Install the belt with all the t-marks lined up with the pulleys and then rotate the crank clockwise until the t-mark lines back up with the engine and that takes the slack out of the belt. When I say slightly, I mean about a half a tooth on the pulley. It does take some patience and figuring out where to hold the belt so it doesn't skip when you take the slack out.

 

[spartacus]

Courtesy of [MENTION=78997]Drcoffee[/MENTION]. ,"This would be an easy fix. Start by turning the crankshaft clockwise until the timing mark on the crank is at zero. Remove the top timing belt cover. Use a spring clamp or c clamp to hold the timing belt to the cam gear at the top so the belt stays in place. Go under the engine and remove the TB tensioner. You will need to reset the tensioner by squeezing it in a bench vice and putting a pin in the hole to keep it closed. If it compresses too easily, replace it. Now go back up top and remove the idler pulley between the cam gears. If you secured the belt to the cams, it wont move on you during the process. Once the idler if out, one at a time, lift the TB off the left cam and rotate the cam so the timing marks line up. Remember this. You want tension on the belt on the right side of the cam. Once you get the cam in place, put the clamp back on. On the passeger side, lift the belt and rotate the cam so the timing mark is lined up. You want belt tension on the right side of the cam, so now replace the idler pulley but dont torque it yet. Now double check the timing marks. In order to get the belt on the right tooth, you may need to rotate the cam gears slightly clockwise 1/8". There will be slack on the passenger side of the passenger cam. Thats what the tensioner does, is take up the slack between the cam and crank. Dont freak out. You will double check the timing now. Reinstall the tensioner but dont pull out the pin yet. The tensioner bolts are 20 lbs ft. With The tensioner installed it will take up some of the slack and keep the belt from jumping teeth. Slowly turn the crankshaft clockwise 2 full revolutions, pausing as you push past the compression resistance and make sure the marks all line up with the crankshaft at 0 TDC. If its on the marks, release the tensioner and torque down the idler pulley. Rotate the crank again 2 full revolutions and make sure nothing shifted. Clamping the belt to the cams is key to this, so the belt dosent go wonky on you with the idler off.

 

[Bad Luck]

It's been several years since I've replaced the timing belt. Is there a timing mark on the crankshaft and belt? If there is and you're lined up down there then no worries.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

It took me several tries to not be one tooth off under tension.

My trick which I’ve used on later belt jobs is to slightly rotate the crank and the cam towards each other a half belt tooth, or the alignment marks just touching the edge. That gave me the ability to get the belt on properly.


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[phattyduck]

It took me several tries to not be one tooth off under tension.

My trick which I’ve used on later belt jobs is to slightly rotate the crank and the cam towards each other a half belt tooth, or the alignment marks just touching the edge. That gave me the ability to get the belt on properly.

This, and using binder clips or small c-clamps to hold the belt in place on the first cam before you get to the second cam.

Then, don't pull the grenade pin yet - manually tighten the belt and the tensioner and check alignment. You don't want to let that tensioner loose until you are pretty sure things are aligned.

-Charlie

 

[Romeo1]

This, and using binder clips or small c-clamps to hold the belt in place on the first cam before you get to the second cam.

Then, don't pull the grenade pin yet - manually tighten the belt and the tensioner and check alignment. You don't want to let that tensioner loose until you are pretty sure things are aligned.

-Charlie

I really like using clips also. I like to also try maintain light tension in one direction if possible.

Having the tensioner loose but not removed also really helps. Like Phattyduck also said, don't pull the pin until it's right. That part is critical.

Sometimes they can just be tight. Just be patient and calm. Take a breather and walk away for 5 minutes if you must.