2001 Acura Integra GSR with 100% stock 75k mile documented ITR swap.

I know this question has come up before, but I haven't found any definitive answers by searching. I replaced my timing belt, water pump, and tensioner/spring today. Prior to disassembly, I lined up TDC using the timing cover and the white mark on the crank pully. Naturally TDC moves slightly when breaking the crank bolt. Anyways, upon reassembly, I set up TDC using the crank gear and oil pump markings. The cam gears were also lined up perfectly: UP and ( -)(- ). Everything was perfect.

Well, I got everything back together, and again, everything lined up perfectly using the crank gear and cam gears... HOWEVER, after EVERYTHING was put back together, with the cams lined up perfectly, UP and ( -)(- ), the white mark on the crank pulley was slightly off from the timing cover (maybe 5 degrees)...

Does this make sense?

I trust using the crank gear and oil pump for setting up TDC... and my car is running perfectly after changing the belt... My question is why would the TDC marks be off by approximately 5 degrees?

 

I always check piston 1 physically for TDC. I have a 10 dollar dial indicator from harbor freight and use a long bolt through the spark plug hole that I set the dial indicator on top of. You move the crank back and forth a little until you see where TDC is physically as shown on the dial indicator. Then you'll see where you are off.