It looks like my timing belt slipped at some point. Do I realign and move on?

clarkerussell · #1 03-01-2011, 08:01 AM

It looks like my timing belt slipped 3 teeth to the right at some point. When I align the valve sprockets up the crankshaft is 3 teeth to the left of Top Dead Center. The car was running perfectly when I last ran it, so I doubt it's been like this forever. I think it might have happened when I was trying to remove the crank bolt.

Regardless of how it happened, I should just remove the belt, align the three timing marks, and replace the belt, right? There isn't anything else I need to look for at this point is there?

svxfiles · #2 03-01-2011, 08:40 AM

Cam seals, cam plugs, front main seal, remove the oil pump and tighten the screws on the back,
while you are down there...

clarkerussell · #3 03-01-2011, 08:59 AM

Certainly... I'm in the thick of doing all that as well. About the only thing that has not gone as planned is this timing issue. All I'm really asking is if I need to do anything with the engine timing wise besides put the camshaft pulley's and the crank shaft back on mark and finish with my job.

In other words, is the fact that it's off by 3 teeth an issue, or do I simply reset it and carry on? Thanks.

Clarke

Hocrest · #4 03-01-2011, 09:46 AM

Line everything up and move on. Technically the EG33 is interference, but for damage to occur the internal cam gears would have to slip, a slipping belt will cause no damage.

Also while your in there make sure that there is no damage to the keyway on the crank pulley or either cam pulley.

clarkerussell · #5 03-08-2011, 01:43 PM

OK, so the crank shaft pully and the left camshaft is still in perfect alignment, but the right camshaft is off by about 30 degrees or so. It is about 30 degrees clockwise as facing the engine. It's very difficult to turn by hand, is this something I should worry about, or should I just use the socket wrench and spin it back into place? If so, does it matter if I turn clockwise or counter-clockwise? Thanks.

Clarke

Cam · #6 03-08-2011, 02:27 PM

This happened to me when I was doing my timing. It jumped one tooth on the crank. I just dropped a pulley off to relieve tension of the belt, then I dropped the tensioner, re-compressed it, and redid the timing. PITA, but it must be perfect, and I didn't even consider spinning the sprocket with the belt on it (doesn't sound like a good idea at all to me).

svxfiles · #7 03-08-2011, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clarkerussell

OK, so the crank shaft pully and the left camshaft is still in perfect alignment, but the right camshaft is off by about 30 degrees or so. It is about 30 degrees clockwise as facing the engine. It's very difficult to turn by hand, is this something I should worry about, or should I just use the socket wrench and spin it back into place? If so, does it matter if I turn clockwise or counter-clockwise? Thanks.

Clarke

After relieving the belt tension, I would slowly turn the camshaft sprocket
(or crankshaft if necessary) CLOCKWISE with a ratchet into the correct position before reinstalling the new belt.