TIMING BELT MARK ALIGNMENT.

vesper · Post by **vesper** » 24 Jan 2009, 16:44

I was driving 1994 volvo 850 and all of sudden it died, when tried to restart the it did not. the engine has lost the compression due to timing belt jump. So I aligned the camshafts and the #1 piston at TDC position and it still would not start. Can anybody help me how to align the crankshaft pully, beside the idea of TDC. If there is a picture available for crankshaft pully, will be appreciated. Thanks in advance

Post by **wheelsup** » 24 Jan 2009, 17:07

What caused it to jump time?

Sorry to say if it happened while the engine was on you are pretty much screwed, it's an interference engine and when the timing goes pistons hit valves. It's new engine time.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 24 Jan 2009, 17:21

How are you sure it jumped time. Non-start like this could be the cam position sensor or a number of other things. If it jumped more than a tooth or two, though the second poster is right and you've got big issues.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 24 Jan 2009, 17:50

I'm thinking like MIJ. These cars don't just up and jump a tooth on timing. When you first removed the timing belt cover did you still have good timing belt tension? If so your problem lies elsewhere - if not you likely need a new motor.

In the words of Steve Matchett during Formula 1 races, "Blammo, Game Over". That is usually followed by a screen shot of a cloud of smoke but those cars crank a rev limited 19,000 RPM so things get more dramatic.

To your question, the timing mark on the crank is microscopic and you can feel it with a fingernail (mine are chewed off) better than you can see it. The Haynes manual has a decent picture of the mark and I think Bay 13 has one as well. There are actually a couple variants and the one with the small groove in the cog on the harmonic balancer is the easiest to identify.

...Lee

vesper · Post by **vesper** » 24 Jan 2009, 18:56

Guys its great to get a response this quick...Thax. Yes the belt tension was good but i looked at the marks which were not in sync. now the cranckshaft mark is aligned straight up or approx 30 to 45 degrees. when I turn the starter every pulley but the engine will not crank. I even spoke to a mechanic and told him that engine does'nt have compression and he said it was timing belt problem. So if anyone suggest something else that I need to do please let me know. Thanks again

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 24 Jan 2009, 21:00

Unlike the newer Volvo's the timing marks should line up with the "V's" in the upper cover:

If you are trying to get them straight up and down, it will look like the timing is off. Read more on the process of the belt change here: http://volvospeed.com/Repair/timingbelt.php