I'm confused. On this engine the 1 and 4 pistons are synchronized and so are the 2 and 3 pistons. I get the idea that each can be in a different stroke but how do I know that TDC on 1 is actually TDC since I have two options on the cam sprocket? Can't I still be 180 degrees off and bend a valve? Help!

 

Line up the TDC markings on the crank pulley. Then line up the cam pulley markings. That's all you have to do. I went through the same thing as you, but the crank will never be 180 degrees off. The cam determines where the crank is in the stroke, not the crank itself. Trust me you'll be fine... Don't think about it too much, I went through it in my head 1000 times.

You cam pulley should have an UP mark on it, as long as that's up, and your notches match up, you're good to go.

 

Very cool. Should have it running this weekend then. Thanks very much.

 

When you're right, the #1 rocker arms will have play in them (some lash)...Check your marks, then check the rockers. If you're "180 out", then the #4 rockers will have lash.

 

Hmmm.... makes sense. Good crosscheck. I didn't see any UP or arrow on the cam pulley so this will help. If I'm 180 out then do I need to loosen the head, lift enough, and turn the cam 180?

 

No, don't go thru all that. If your crank is on TDC but your cam isnt right, remove the timing belt and rotate the crank a few degrees. This will get your pistons out of the way while you move the cam. There is no "UP" mark on this cam sprocket, but there should be two marks on the sprocket that line up with the top of the head.


Modified by 1grex at 9:28 PM 9/12/2008