so this is the third time i have removed and re-installed the belt. After the first time, it ran poorly, after the second time it didn't run, and the third is the same. All the marks are lined up, and when the engine is turned over by hand there is no binding. I have read about the "turn cam 3 teeth", does that mean with belt installed, or before belt is installed. Help!!!

 

I haven't read about the "turn cam 3 teeth" thing but it sounds bad. Anyway, what exactly did you do? The timing belt install isn't exactly complicated.

 

exactly my point. The cam was at TDC with both horizontal lines of the pulley even with the head. The crank was lined up with the notch on the gear faced the arrow on the oil pump. Everything is torqued to spec. I even put a plastic rod into the #1 piston chamber to mark when the piston was at it's highest and everything lined up accordingly.

 

What exactly is the issue with running the engine? Does it run poorly? Is there a CEL? Does is start and die? Does it not start at all? You may just coincidentally have another engine problem but the belt is distracting you. Hell, did you install your alternator belt before running the car?

 

the car ran fine before, in fact it passed smog the day before i started. There was no cell, the car ran poorly after the first install but after I re-checked it 2 more times it didn't start at all. It turns over fine. And yes, the alternator belt was on for every attempt.

 

well the only thing i know about the 3 teeth,is when your adjusting the tensioner...but thats it