d16rice

PLEASE HELP, I need to get up and running ASAP!

I just changed my timing belt.
I set both the block and the head at TDC (as marked on cam-gear and crank sprocket)
Then, I rotated it six times counter clockwise and checked the marks again.
They were OFF by 1/8 in.
I rotated it again to make sure it’s not getting worst and checked the marks again.
They were at the same location (1/8 off of the marks).

The teeth on the cam-gear and crank sprocket seem to be the same size (1/8).
Does this mean I skipped a tooth on the belt?
How would I fix this?

d16rice

Come on, I’m desperate.
Should I loosen the belt, turn the cam-gear one tooth back, and be done with it?

Gizzo

The marks won't line up after you rotate the engine the engine because the belt has a different amount of teeth between the left and right side. The marks are just there for the initial belt installation.

BauleyCivic

You have to take into account the slack in the belt when you install it.

Do this:

1. Crank the motor over (counterclockwise) until the crank pulley is a little bit before TDC (like 1/8").

2. Loosen the tensioner, slide the belt off of the cam gear.

3. Turn the cam gear to TDC. The cam gear will be at TDC, and the crank pulley will be a little before TDC.

4. Slide the belt on the cam gear, and try to make it as tight as possible on the side closest to the headlights.

5. Turn the crank pulley 90 degrees. This takes all of the slack out of the front, and your crank pulley and cam gear should now be in sync.

6. Tighten the tensioner, crank the motor over twice.

7. Repeat if necessary. Sometimes it takes me 4 or 5 times to get it right. This is why it is nice to have an adjustable cam gear, so that if you **** up doing your timing belt, you can adjust the cam gear to compensate for the difference

d16rice

O.K.
I reinstalled it. It's still a little off (1/16-1/8), but I'll just let it be.
I do have an adjustable cam-gear, so I'll just tweak that when I'm ready to run.
Maybe it's a little off because I have a d16Y7 block with a d16Y8 head (mini-me)?
Either way, the adjustable cam-gear should be able to take care of that little difference.

Thanks

BauleyCivic

Shouldn't be off...But glad you got it working A little off is just fine, just adjust the cam gear as necessary.

Gizzo

Hmm, I was thinking you were talking about the marks on the belt itself. My bad