Timing belt marks off... is this bad??

[92ShoOff]

Hey guys, I tried to get a picture of this on here that I took with my digital camera but I haven't had any luck finding a free server without having to suscribe to one.

In the process of getting to my CPS today I inspected the timing belt. Opposed to what I thought it looks like the timing belt has actually been replaced previously. The rubber looks good, no cracks, nothing. But when I went to line up the marks on the belt to the marks on the timing belt cover the marks on the belt sprockets were both off by one tooth. The marks on the sprockets were both one tooth to the right of the marks on the belt when the marks on the belt are lined up on the timing cover if that makes more sense.

I know this isn't necessarily good, but is this bad???? Lol, stupid question, but I'm just wondering if it may have done any harm to anything because of this. I guess since the previous owner didn't pass on any maintenance records then I should replace the timing belt anyway because I'm doing what I'm sure is this engine's first 60k maintenance at 150,000 miles. I guess I'll order that 4-piece ASP pulley set while I'm doing this

 

[betterman]

I don't think you have anything to worry about timing wise. The marks on the belt are only used for installing the timing belt and have nothing to do with the timing after the motor has been run. The only marks that are supposed to line up are the marks on the timing gears and the marks on the timing belt cover.

 

[SuperchargedSHOguy]

Sounds like it was installed fine, the lines were not used when installed. The first motor I ever did a timing belt on I didn't even realize there were installation lines on the belt.

 

[92ShoOff]

So I guess as long as the mark on the sprocket for the crank lines up with it's mark when the other two sprockets are lined up then I'm in good shape. But until I get the crank pulley off I won't know for sure. Well hopefully AutoZone has a pulley puller that will work because my steering wheel puller almost works except the middle bolt is too short to reach inside and bottom out in the pulley. Well thanks for your help guys!

 

[MerkXRTurbo]

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