my timing belt is def ready to be changed but i dont have the lower timing belt cover with the timing mark on it. was wondering what methods could be used to set the crank tdc after i change the belt.

 

There will be a timing mark on the block you can reference with the crankshaft when you remove the crank pulley. It is a very bad idea to drive without the lower cover, however, so you might as well get one for the reinstall.

 

there is a mark on the oil pump it self and another on the pulley that the timing belt goes over line those toguether and you should be fine

 

Ya there is one on the block right on the oil pump will look like a triangle shape pointing towards the crankshaft, there is one on the actual timing belt gear on the back side the side that faces the block, and there is one on the actual crank pulley, I'm almost positive that the timing belt gear and crank pulley will have to be lined up when you put the woodruff key in both and torque down the crank pulley, so you can use either to hit TDC. the one notch on the crank pulley is TDC the three notches are for the timing light to read and shows degrees of timing advance. I can post a pic for you if you need more info or shoot me a PM.

 

Also I forgot to mention, if You do it yourself and don't have someone to hold the cam gears in place while you try to move the belt and pulley to TDC then you can take off the valve cover and there are holes in the camshafts that will line them up TDC you can stick a screw driver or 5mm punch through the camshaft holder and camshaft keeping both cams at TDC while you set the pulley below. Hope that helps. goodluck.