meece0927

I need suggestions on the best way to mark my timing on my civic where I am changing the water pump and timing belt without it jumping time. I have always just marked the cam gear and the crank with whiteout and kept them lined up to make sure that it didn't jump. I am just looking for other suggestions.

Fliptard

there are markings on the oil pump and timing cover. A simple google search would have answered your question before you typed this post.

meece0927

I know I can do that if it jumps but I am hoping that it doesn't. I don't like using Google when I can just post on here.

kyden

they are already engraved marks. use them.

meece0927

For the idler to release you just got to remove the spring right?

Fliptard

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=replacing+timin...+series+engine

meece0927

Another question about the instructions on the page with that link. If the crank and the cam gears dont move why would you have to set it back to TDC instead of just putting the belt back and not moving the gears?

sleepyaccord96

^ you made a valid point.

In a way you are right, But it isn't the proper proven way of doing it because it leaves room for error.

if you put it at TDC and you will see the oem markings. make note of the markings and also use your whiteout.

I have always made sure all the oe marks line up and my whiteout marks line up it confirms it is IN time and good to go.


I am a firm believer of using oe marks AND whiteout.

meece0927

Exactly my point. Use your whiteout and mark your cam gear and the crank and when it comes time to put the timing belt back on just make sure that the marks are all still lined up and you will not have to re time it. Now if they do happen to move at all instead of trying to line them back up I would go ahead and set it back to TDC and time it.

instrument

in a sohc it's kinda a simple process, this thread is now longer then the walk through.

meece0927

Just looking for suggestions. It is a simple process doesnt mean you cant get suggestions from people who's methods are different from yours.

94EG8

Wrong. Loosen the tensioner adjusting bolt, you can leave the spring attached. Removing the spring by itself does nothing.

Also set the engine to TDC before you remove the belt, marking the belt really doesn't save any time at all.

TripleLude

The only marks you need are white or red paint on the TDC marks for the gears. Just paint inside the engraving and wipe the excess off. Line your **** up or be a fool.

meece0927

If it does not jump time then wat is the point in setting it to TDC? I have changed timing belts on these cars before and never had to set it to TDC.

purgat0ry

iTrader: (3)

Peace of mind.

It's much easier to just set it to TDC and forget about the problem vs making all of these silly marks and screwing with it.

Just crank it over till it's at TDC and give it a rest

94EG8

You have to have it at TDC to set the tension. Set to TDC, put belt on, tighten tensioner adjusting bolt, turn engine over with a ratchet or bar a few times to seat the belt and verify that it's timed right. At this point with the engine at TDC loosen the tensioner adjusting bolt a turn, turn the engine counter clockwise so 3 teeth go up on the cam gear. Retighten the adjusting bolt.

I don't know why you're so hung up on this, it's not like there's any real effort involved in setting the engine at TDC first.

meece0927

Because it just waste time just got it all put back together and look at that didn't jump time and did not have to go to TDC. Why do extra work. Was just looking for suggestions its good to get other peoples views just some people have to be dicks.

purgat0ry

iTrader: (3)

Were giving our opinions man
Quoteh the dude "Thats just like... your opinion man"

But serious, setting TDC takes what ... a 19mm socket, an extension or two and a wrench, 10 seconds later, you have TDC set.
It's a 'better be safe than sorry' step imo.

But, your car, your engine, do whatever you want.

TripleLude

If you don't set at TDC, you might cause a problem when loosening or tightening the crank pulley bolt. I know a lot of civics have a special tool, but that is not the case on all cars. Thus, do it right and triple check before starting. Turn it around and around by hand and line it back up before you start it.

kyden

i'm gonna go ahead and argue it wastes more time trying to mark things than lining the motor up to tdc.

meece0927

Its all good jobs already done anyways got the timing belt and water pump changed and the car never jumped time. Thanks for the feedback and the suggestions.

strategy400

I always set the engine to TDC and mark the belt. Never had a problem.

meece0927

same concept except I didn't have to set anything to TDC just marked the crank and the cam where it was and it never moved when I took the belt off and put it back on.

Cody Pereira

Use the marks on the cam gear, setting the motor to TDC along with lining up the marks on the oil pump. Very simple process

meece0927

you can do it that way or just not set it to TDC and not have to take the extra step. Just mark it where it is and put the new belt on. If it does move at all then you can set it to TDC.