Expert: Sean Halliday - 3/11/2007

Question

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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Hello
>        And thanks for your help a few months ago.
>    unfortunately my timing belt replacement has been a  horror.  
After 6 hours
> of gruling wrenching , it ran like the timing was mixed  up, wouldn't
idle, and
> sputtered.,  i spent alont of time to make  sure my timing marks were
all lined
> up.
>       Relaizing something bad was up , i stopped trying to run her.
>   Took it all apart again to veryify all the timing marks, ....they
were ok.
>
>   so i put most of it back together, except for the fan belts,
>   put the crank pulley back on, all plugs in place
>    and she wont run at all now...
>   So i took out plug # 1 and verified TDC, and it was at TDC, cams
line up ,
>
>   the balance shaft marks line up, the oil pump marks line up.
>   I even took off the crankshaft sensor to make sure it wasn't fouled
up.
>   Still doesn't run....i dont have a code analyzer---??--do i need 1
to figure
> this out??
>   just cause the crank is at TDC (verified by taking out the plug),
and  the
> cams are both at the TDC marks, and also the balance shaft marks  
line up, does
> this rule out the possibility that the mechanical timing  is
correct????????
>
>   
>   
>   HELP!!!!!!!!  i'm dying here!!
>   
>   regards,
>   Todd Uchman

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You say you verified TDC by removing the plug?.This isnt the most accurate way.If you look at the crank with the timing belt removed.you will see a small mark where TDC is exactly on the mark.There must be a mark as all cars have them.This is TDC then you take it from there.Camshafts lined up and balance shafts at the same time.This is tricky to do because i have seen cars a tooth out and dont run too good.Dont forget when the belt tensions ,the cams may turn slightly.I would buy the tool to hold the cams in place if i were you as its impossible to hold both cams in place and fit the belt on all 4 with out the thing slipping.Check after you have the belt on and tensioned by turning the crank 4 times(by hand) with plugs removed(its easier).Then look at all the marks.I am sure you are using a manual?...Also as you removed the crank pulley make sure the woodruff key hasnt moved or the crank will not be in the right place and can cause serious engine damage.I would take it all off again and start over.If its done right the car will run right away.No problems.Check all vacuum lines are fitted corrrectly and all electrical plugs are in place as well as the air flow and breather hoses.Everything must be in place before you start it.It will run without the alternator for a couple of minutes and a/c pump but its better to get it all  assembled first.Keep me posted ,,

Thanks again..
YES i did verify the timing marks on the crankshaft, and i do have a manual..
as far as holding the cams, i used a couple breaker bars, one on each, wedged with wood spacers to align the cams on the marks. After a long day of getting nowhere, i ordered a code scanner, to hopefully narrow it down, i'll let you know how it goes once i get the unit.
I double checked all timing marks marks, checked all electrical connections.


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ok good luck,

Hello
Got her running, but idles rough
as if timing is off
Im having a tough time getting the cams to align w/ the crankshaft. I think i need that alignment tool for holding the cams.
I forgot to hook up the pcv valve at first, but after connecting it it still runs rough
put in new plugs to rule them out.
do you  release the cams before pulling the tensioner pin out?
I tried both ways, seems like the proper method is to pull the tensioner pin 1st, then release the cams.....any insight?  
The timing is NOT adjustable ??correct????
I think the ECM does that ....right?

Thanks in advance...
Todd

Answer
Timing isnt adjustable.Hold the cams until you are SURE you have all pulleys lined up.crank...cams..both and tensioner then remove the pin....with tension on the belt it shoulnt move so i figure youre a tooth off because of the rough idle,It also may be vacuum,so check all lines are hooked up.As i said the best way to do these is with the tool for twin cam engines it makes life easier.