Crankshaft Alignment tool & procedure

Nathan79 · Post by **Nathan79** » 17 Mar 2021, 09:09

I've searched & searched with no luck, and am beginning to think it's not "a thing with P2'S...

My timing is OFF a smidge & sounds like a 1970 VW BUG. I am suspecting crankshaft misalignment & am looking for a part number for the crankshaft alignment pin that is inserted after starter removal... MAYBE? Perhaps I don't need this "special tool" & can use something else?

Before answering... Yes, I have great lighting to see the marks on crank pulley (but am not 100% of marks because they are NOT OBVIOUS)... NO, I cannot "feel the notches" as some mechanics have stated (maybe I'm not doing it right?).
I'm really just looking for a foolproof way to make sure my crank is aligned perfectly.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Nathan

Post by **jonesg** » 17 Mar 2021, 19:10

Nathan79 wrote: ↑17 Mar 2021, 09:09 I've searched & searched with no luck, and am beginning to think it's not "a thing with P2'S...

My timing is OFF a smidge & sounds like a 1970 VW BUG. I am suspecting crankshaft misalignment & am looking for a part number for the crankshaft alignment pin that is inserted after starter removal... MAYBE? Perhaps I don't need this "special tool" & can use something else?

Before answering... Yes, I have great lighting to see the marks on crank pulley (but am not 100% of marks because they are NOT OBVIOUS)... NO, I cannot "feel the notches" as some mechanics have stated (maybe I'm not doing it right?).
I'm really just looking for a foolproof way to make sure my crank is aligned perfectly.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Nathan

Generally the crank will not move so it doesn't need locking, if it does move just move it back.
the crank timing gear is keyed, it can't go on wrong.
Try bring cyl 1 to tdc and the timing should be close.
when the engine is timed correct the marks on the crank gear should be near 11o'clock position, not 12 o'clock vertical, often you can't see them because you're expecting them to be in a different place.

The marks on the pulley are just ticks, very small, they are located on the top of the teeth, not in the valley between teeth.
The marks are actually stamped on the flat surface that faces the engine block, all you can see is the end of the stamped mark.
Go to the link below, click on the pic to enlarge and you will see what I mean.
https://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/WC ... mYEALw_wcB

The timing mark on the engine is on the oil pump boss, visible in this video.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 18 Mar 2021, 01:21

Nathan79 wrote: ↑17 Mar 2021, 09:09 I'm really just looking for a foolproof way to make sure my crank is aligned perfectly.

Foolproof ... I don't believe it is possible to proof anything in the hands of a fool any more then it is possible to dumb things down so everybody understands it.

A surefire way is to use the Volvo Crankshaft alignment tool. It is a pin that inserts into a hole in the block, under the starter. Stops the rotating of the Crankshaft at the alignment position. It is included in a Volvo Engine Alignment / Timing kit which go for ~$50.00 on eBay. Most people do not use it because you need to remove the starter to get to the hole in the block.

Nathan79 · Post by **Nathan79** » 19 Mar 2021, 07:51

How about a part number for the alignment pin?

Thanks
Nathan

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 19 Mar 2021, 09:09

Nathan79 wrote: ↑19 Mar 2021, 07:51 How about a part number for the alignment pin?

Better to get the whole kit.

The tool in the center of the box is the Crankshaft alignment pin.