hello,

I swear I searched first before i ask this. I am helping a famly friend with timing belt install. First thing; where are the TDC markers on the F23a1 and for balancer shaft. Also. Is there any tricks for doing the front seals? do they just pop out then back in? thank you in advance.

Matt

 

i see this was three days ago.. hoping you figured it out already. just in case...

the cam sprocket has and "up" arrow and marks that line up with the valve cover sealing surface.

the crank sprocket has an arrow that lines up with a similar arrow on the oil pump housing.

the front balance shaft has a mark that either points up or to the front of the car... it's been a while. there should be a mark again on the oil pump housing.

rear balance shaft is a bit tricky. the easiest way to know it's right is to remove the "service bolt" on the back of the block. then insert a 6mm or 4mm bolt or pin into the hole. rotate the rear shaft until the bolt or pin slips into the alignment hole on the shaft. this will lock it in the correct position. you can confirm this by looking at the rear balance sprocket. it has a dot that lines up with a mark on the lower rear of the oil pump housing. don't forget to remove the "alignment pin/bolt" and replace the service bolt after you get the belts on!

the trick to replacing the seals... being careful not to scratch anything, use a small flat-head screwdriver inserted on the ID of the seal to carefully pry it out. it's best to use a seal installer but a bit of PVC pipe or even your fingers (must be strong!) will work in a pinch. just be sure the seal is flush and even.