This post describes the methods to check the proper alignment of the timing belt on 3.0L and 3.2L SHO engines for installation of a new or used belt or verifying the alignment of a previously installed belt.
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To check the alignment of the belt after the timing belt covers have been installed and the engine has been run, refer to "Checking Alignment of a Previously Installed Timing Belt."
When replacing a new or used belt on the engine, refer to "Alignment During Initial Timing Belt Installation."
Checking Alignment of a Previously Installed Timing Belt
Remove the upper timing belt cover and rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the second, white notch on the crankshaft damper aligns with the "0" mark on the timing tab on the lower timing belt cover (0 degrees BTDC on the #1 cylinder). The first, yellow mark indicates 60 degrees BTDC on the #1 cylinder and is used for setting the belt tension on the 3.0L engine.
The index marks on both camshaft pulleys should be aligned with the index marks on the rear timing belt cover at the 12 o'clock position. See the pictures below of the alignment of the upper marks. If the camshaft pulley index marks are at the 6 o'clock position, rotate the crankshaft one revolution in the clockwise direction and check again.
Alignment During Initial Timing Belt Installation
Refer to the pictures below to install a timing belt in the proper alignment. NOTE: This is the only occasion when the white lines on the timing belt will align with the index marks.
The crankshaft pulley on the 3.2L engine. Note the alignment of the dimple on the pulley tooth with the line on the belt and the raised ridge on the lower timing belt cover boundary wall.
Here is a photo showing the crankshaft alignment on the 3.0L engine.
This is the alignment of the rear bank camshaft sprocket. Note the index marks on the pulley, the white line on the belt and the raised ridge on the metal timing belt cover behind the sprocket.
This is the alignment of the front bank camshaft sprocket. Note the index marks on the pulley, the white line on the belt and the raised ridge on the metal timing belt cover behind the sprocket.
