now timing problems im going to cry....

[UndrdaSHO]

OK guys here's where I, the blonde mechanic, have lost it. Everything I read makes this problem more confusing, and the frustration is going to cause my hair to turn grey......

Lets start from the begining....
Thought car was TDC 1
Tore down to timing belt. Husband insisted on taking it off. He removed the right side pulley to relieve tension on belt, I have since clamped tensioner and place hex through hole. He had marked belt and rear cam timing case in the same locations, as well as crankshaft vs belt. Will probably get new belt tomorrow, even though old one looks like new.

When the belt came off, something moved. Left side cam (closest to firewall) is at 3 o'clock position. Right side cam (front of car) is at 12 o'clock position. Crankshaft sprocket is at 7 o'clock. What the frick do I do now?
Looks like I'll be tackling this problem alone today, so easiest explanation would be helpful. I know a lot about cars, but timing was something my father always did. I'd hate to f u ck this up so close to having my baby on the road. Thanks in advance, and again for all of your help. I'd give you all gold stars if I could

 

[K-Dawg]

The rear cam won't want to stay in the 12 o'clock position. It will do it, but it's a balancing act. I use a strap wrench to position the cams, but you could probably also use a belt or rope around the sprocket. Be careful, as you're turning against the valve springs and the edges of the sprocket are sharp.

The dimple on the crank timing sprocket should be lined up with the mark on the oil pump housing (5 o'clockish). I usually stick the crank damper back on the crank snout enough to catch the woodruff key, and again use a strap wrench to rotate the crank.

Good choice on the new timing belt, although it's usually not in stock at local parts stores. Be sure you use the correct marks on the belt.

 

[SuperHO]

A 10mm socket on one of the bolts holding the sprocket to the cam will turn it, too....you just have to be gentle when you get to the 12 o'clock position.

There's a few ways to find TDC without the lower timing cover on. The first is outlined.above. another way is to pull the #4 plug and slip a piece of long vacuum line into the cylinder and turn the crank clockwise until the hose stops rising.

No worries....you're in good hands. Just don't lose your head.

 

[Irish Pride]

This timing belt is marked for a 3.0 but it is installed on a 3.2 which is why it is one notch off. Some of the timing belts are marked for both, but if it doesnt have two marks right next to eachother then it is marked for the 3.0

Line the marks on the pulleys up with the marks on the motor and then put the belt on. Make sure you have the belt facing the correct way. The writing on the belt should be upside down when looking at it from the passenger side of the car.

To adjust the rear cam back into position i found if you take a towel and twist it up and then wrap it around the sprocket and then twist it tight it will give you great leverage and control. Just take it slow and you will get it.

 

[UndrdaSHO]

Right on guys I'll see what I can do sounds like you need a little strength to do this.......too bad none of you guys are in Colorado or I'd ask for real life help.....I'm sitting in the hospital now waiting for my husband to get out of emergency surgery so we will see if I have the energy to try this today....or tomorrow...he won't be out of the hospital till Friday at the earliest and he helps me with the things I'm too girly to do.....like timing. I miss my Car so much but its been sitting for a year what's one more week I guess......
Sad face

 

[jayro]

Hope everything goes well with your husband's surgery.

As far as the timing thing. Just get a new belt and line up the marks as stated. For me, it is a little easier to get the mark on the crank sprocket to line up with the mark on the belt if I turn the crank counter clockwise just a touch. It seems to take some of the tension of that side of the belt. After you get the belt on and tensioned, rotate the assembly 2 full times. The lines on the belt will be off, but make sure the marks all line up. If so, you are good to go.

 

[jimtash]

You can use an open ended box wrench to turn the cam sprockets. I believe 17mm is the perfect size to grab onto the inside of them.

 

[ISHOU]

Where in Colorado do you live? I'm in the Denver area and just replaced my timing belt due to a bad tensioner which I also replaced and would be willing to lend a hand if needed. Let me know.

 

[SHOhopefull]

Another option, if you have a plyer-type oil filter wrench, put a cloth on the cam sprocket and use the wrench to turn it, just be careful not to bugger the teeth.

 

[rubydist]

I'm in Denver area too; pm me if you need assistance.


btw, I do NOT recommend using the 10mm wrench on the cam sprocket bolt to turn it, because I saw a guy twist one of those off doing that. The strap wrench is the way to go to move it.

 

[K-Dawg]

A 10mm socket on one of the bolts holding the sprocket to the cam will turn it, too....you just have to be gentle when you get to the 12 o'clock position.

There's a few ways to find TDC without the lower timing cover on. The first is outlined.above. another way is to pull the #4 plug and slip a piece of long vacuum line into the cylinder and turn the crank clockwise until the hose stops rising.

I also think using the sprocket bolts is a bad method for turning the cams.

I may be mistaken, but I don't think the #1 and #4 pistons are at Top Dead Center at the same time. TDC refers to the #1 piston, so you would want take your meaurement using the #1 cylinder, but I don't know why you would waste time doing that if you can see the crank timing sprocket.

 

[Racer X]

Cosigned on not using the 10mm bolts to rotate the cam sprocket.

Yes, this is a "do as I say and not as I do" sort of thing.

 

[intimdatr]

Plus one on the strap wrench. Ive done the 10mm wrench thing its a real pain, beats up the bolts and your hands if your not careful.

 

[UndrdaSHO]

Hey guys I haven't made any attempt to time the car. Things have been hectic. Husband is out of hospital, ruptured appendix. I would love some help from anyone at this point, but the co pay for the hospital has left us tapped out. So if someone was willing to help, I couldn't do much for you in return at the moment. Its hard to ask for one of you to help without having something myself for you in return. If you guys want to think about and let me know that would be awesome. I live five miles east of Parker. Please let me know maybe I can work something out with one of you

 

[SHOdded]

Best wishes on speedy recovery for your husband.

 

[ISHOU]

I'm about 15 minutes away in Centennial and would offer my help -no payment necessary. SHO owners are always happy to help a fellow SHO owner. PM if you want a hand.

 

[ISHOU]

UPDATE: I went to Shawna's house last Saturday to help her. I set the cam/crank sprockets to correct position and after a little fight got the new belt on. She let me know last night that the car fired right up. She is very knowledgable about SHO's and cars for that matter.

 

[yamahaSHO]

A 10mm socket on one of the bolts holding the sprocket to the cam will turn it, too....

Horrible idea. Scott had one or two of these sheer and it lead to 2 melted pistons and 1 cracked one... And a huge oily mess in the engine bay.

I would not mess with those bolts unless you absolutely need to.

 

[SHOmethewayhome]

I just use the old timing belt, or my hand. glad she got her car back on the road.

 

[JRA2000TL]

+1 more on using a strap wrench; even then, be careful, I've busted knuckles from my cam gears slipping when I turned them a tad too much. Hurt and I said several bad words. Like they said, NEVER twist them by those 10mm bolts. They snap VERY easy. You have to take special care when removing them (if you ever do need to remove a cam gear).