Expert: Sean Halliday - 4/29/2008

Question
i have a pajero 3500 v6 24 valve and stripped the cambelt to change the front crank seal that was leaking. i am about to put everything back but im unsure whether i have the crank and cams set before i put the cambelt. how do i check if these are set correctly before putting the belt on and starting the vehicle. i dont want to start up and then find out that ive bent the valves.

Answer
What you should have done first(before you removed anything) was mark the engine cams at TDC.Crank and camshaft making sure #1 cylinder was at TDC.So you will need to remove the valve cover to find #1 cylinder is at TDC by watching the valves close as you turn the engine.Then look at the crank and cam so the marks are matching the same on the engine block.I dont have any pictures of this vehicle so you will need the Haynes or Chiltons manual to find the marks.You have a job because if the timing belt is removed and you need to turn the engine,be careful not to jam the valves aginst the pistons as you turn it.You will need to align each mark slowly by turning the crank and cam a little at a time.Then when youre sure all is lined up install the belt.If you have not turned the crank or cam at all with the belt removed,replace it as it is and turn the engine as it is until you have it lined up.If you did turn the crank and lost the timing then you have to start from scratch.