Timing belt virgin with possibly stupid Q

[stevets]

2002 SR5 T4R with V6.

First time ever doing any timing belt and mostly feeling pretty good about the whole thing.This site is invaluable!

But when I give the motor the 4 turns to be sure that everything is correct, the crank and cam marks all line up perfectly but the lines on the belt seem to have moved one tooth clockwise.

I am inclined to trust the cam and crank notches but am hoping someone can explain what happened and whether or not I should "pull the pin"

Thanks.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Not a dumb question.

The marks on the belt are there purely to help when putting on the belt. As long as the other marks are in alignment, then pull the pin.

Good luck.

 

[alumarine]

The marks on the belt are just there to get you started initially.

Once you rotate the crank they won't line up again or at least not very often.

You're correct in thinking it's the cam and crank notches that are important.

 

[stevets]

Thanks guys. And hopefully no luck will be required!

 

[davidch]

The crankshaft sprocket has 24 teeth, and the cam sprockets have 48. The timing belt has 181 teeth, and that number, no accident, is prime.

It will take a lot of hand turning before things line up again.