I just replaced my timing belt along with the pump and tensioner. Well after all was said and done I drove it and it ran fine but the timing belt seemed to be a little loose. I attempt to tighten it but rather than using the crank to turn the motor, I used the cam (I know stupid and lazy!) that caused the belt to slip several teeth and my cam is no longer in time with my crank.....now what?? I'm un sure on how to get my crank back in sync with my cam....ex. When my cam is TDC my crank is NOT TDC. Do I just take the belt off and make sure my #1piston is TDC then line the tick mark on my crank with the arrow on the engine block?

 

yup just tighten it properly this time.

 

That just seems too simple. If its easy enough to just pop the belt off and line your tick marks back up, why is "timing" such a Scary thought? I understand that timing is crucial in an interference engine, but it seems extremely simple if lining the tick marks is all the job consist of.

 

Well you have to undo the tensioner so just 2 more steps but you get the idea lol engine's are simple wiring is another story, you can use the marks on the crank pulley or if they're faded just us a 12'' 3.8th dr extension.

 

I'm extremely new to working on cars. I'm surprised I completed a timing belt and water pump by myself lol. So just to ensure I'm understanding this correctly..if I line my crank tick with the arrow on the block, that ensures my #1piston is TDC (assuming I have no belt) THEN I rotate my cam until the "up" is directly on the top...now I'm in in time and ready to reinstall the timing belt?? Sorry I'm just trying to make sure I understand correctly

 

The cam has TDC1 marks that must align with the top surface head, in addition to the arrow pointing up.

Then, with also the crank gear at TDC1, install the timing belt, ensuring that no slack exists on the left side.

 

Well I'm gonna give it another go tomorrow! I appreciate you clearifying this for me xD