Timing belt/camshaft adjustments???

johnhon · Post by **johnhon** » 22 Oct 2006, 14:38

I'm installing a new belt on my 98 XC. I took off the old belt and turned the camshafts more than I should have ( like 1 or 2 revolutions). I know this is bad, but my question is how do I make sure the camshafts are in the correct position in relation to the crankshaft? If I find TDC of cyl. no. 1, align the crankshaft markings and align the camshaft markings on the timing belt cover will the timing be ok, or is it not that simple? Any feedback is appreciated.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Oct 2006, 14:45

Let me get this right....you took the BELT OFF AND THEN TURNED the CRANKSHAFT?

johnhon · Post by **johnhon** » 22 Oct 2006, 15:06

Yes, that's right. Pretty dumb, no?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Oct 2006, 16:24

I'm not sure if just lining up the "V's" and notches on the camgears and top of the cover holder (where the notches are) will actually line everything up correctly since you've gotten them out of alignment now. Let me do some checking with someone who has extensive knowlege on these TB issues and I'll post back. Just don't put the belt on and start the engine until you're sure of things.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Oct 2006, 17:07

Without being there and also having more professional help with this, I believe your best bet is to have your XC towed to a dealer or GOOD indy mechanic who can see exactly what you've done and align your cams so that the timing belt will go on there correctly. Any attempt at doing this on your own can cause your engine to be rendered useless. Good luck and report how things turn out.

bobsnow100 · Post by **bobsnow100** » 22 Oct 2006, 17:50

I agree, don't do anything to this, tow it to a mechanic,you may already have bent some valves,when you turned the crankshaft your cams were not rotating with them because your timing belt was off,so any valve that was fully opened probably got hit when the piston reached the top of its bore.
Did you feel anything preventing the crankshaft from rotating? Hopefully not.

johnhon · Post by **johnhon** » 22 Oct 2006, 18:08

Thanks for the reply. It was VERY difficult to turn the crankshaft, but I did rotate it a couple of times. I've probably done some damage. I'll get it to a mechanic and let you know how bad.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Oct 2006, 18:42

I hope it's not bad. Please post back. We all learn from each others' mistakes.