For those who have replaced their own timing belts:
After putting the new belt on, did you rotate the crankshaft 6 times to make sure it's not hitting anything (valves, pistons etc.)?
If so, how did you do it (did you mount the crank pulley and turn it that way or what)?

 

 

I just take the bolt use an airgun to tighten it, then rotate around a couple times and then check the marks and reassemble.

 

I don't have an air gun.
I borrowed one from my neighbor, but it wasn't strong enough, so I used a breaker-bar to take the bolt off.
It'd be hell putting the bolt on, rotating it, taking it off again, and then putting everything back again.
Any other suggestions?

I had my whole engine apart, and when I reassembled it, I made sure everything is where it’s supposed to be (both block and head at TDC, and distributors pointing the right way). Would it be safe to assume the valve/piston clearance is O.K. or should I still go ahead and check it?

 

The purpose of rotating the t-belt is to check the tension of the belt and alignment of everything.

 

You can use a breaker bar or just a regular socket wrench for that matter. Should turn no problem.