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So i'm in the process of changing my timing belt, and tensioner, and i've run into a bit of an issue. Everything has gone as planned until i started to try and align the timing after replacing the belt. It seems like every time i get everything set up, and go to tighten the tensioner, at which point either the cam, or crank advance a half notch. I followed this http://chronoscender.freeservers.com/ne ... gbelt.html and i'm not sure what exactly i am doing wrong. I figure there has to be a few of you out there, who have done this before, and had the same sort of issue.

Couldn't you just retard one of them half a notch, and then when the tensioner is tight, they'll be lined up?

yeah i'm going to have to try setting both back the a slight bit, and see if i can get the timing marks to line up. The real issue, is that you can't really set it on half a tooth, because when you do that, its not sitting properly on the cam or crank.

I believe the FSM tells you to have it retard just a tad and then the tensor takes up the slack.

so i took another shot at it since i've got some daylight to work with, and i think i've got it lined up properly, or at least this is as close as i can get it to line up.

Crank


Cam


Wondering if its just that the timing mark is stamped slightly to one side of the notch, and thats what's been throwing me off?

The one in the plastic cover is never dead on. As long as the cam mark is straight up, you're fine.
Edit:
And don't forget to turn the crank at least two complete turns to double check it. By hand

That looks great. Now retard your cam 2*.

i think i'll wait until spring, when i install my cam gear, mag head, and crane 12, go about adjusting it the easy way. I wish i could be bolting my mag head and other parts on now, but i need to get a set of valves, and finish porting the head before any of that can happen. Anyone know if my unorthodox cam gear will fit under the timing cover, or will it have to be cut around the gear?

I remember it took me a few tries before it lined up properly, it's just a little tricky. Lining up the cam mark and jacking up the engine were the 2 scariest things about doing the timing belt.

Worst part for me, was getting the mount plate bolt out, the one closest to the alternator, Too long to pull out once loosened. I had to jack the absolute shit outta the motor to get it to clear the ac line and frame rail. That and when i snapped the serpentine tensioner in half, attempting to loosen the bolt and take the idler off... junkyard trip will fix that. As you can see though, it was pretty warn out, and spun like shit.

On a side note, it seems like my 3rd spark plug boot is wet with condensation.. doesn't smell like anything in particular, but seems like it's sweating. The rest are all dry, and the car has not run in 4 days.