Misaligned Camshaft Timing Mark

[XCMat]

While replacing the timing belt on my '02 V70 XC my initial pre-removal inspection of the belt showed the exhaust cam was off by more than one notch clockwise. The intake cam and the crankshaft alignment were spot-on and the car has been running fine for a long time. A worn or stretched belt seems like it would have caused the cam to move off alignment in a counter clockwise direction.

Exhaust Cam Alignment Begin.jpg (14.25 KiB) Viewed 166 times

Is there a common cause that would induce camshaft misalignment without generating any codes or performance issues? Should I rotate the exhaust cam so everything lines up better when the new belt is installed?

[oragex]

Don't think a belt would 'stretch' at least not an eye-measurable amount. If only the exhaust cam is misaligned, I would guess the person who replaced the belt had the ex cam move off mark. Also careful with the mark on the crank pulley and block - crank has two teeth marked, block has a hard to see bump - the bump will stay between the two teeth, more towards the front one

[XCMat]

Thanks Oragex. Here's a shot of the crankshaft. The alignment is definitely biased towards the front groove, just as you said. I'll tweak the exhaust cam a little counter clockwise and call it good!

[oragex]

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I think I was wrong about the crank mark on the block, would rather be closer to the rear tooth with notch. Notice the bump 'mark' is sitting at the left lower 'corner' of that U shaped piece of metal on the block - at least on my car. I could feel it by touching. Given the camera angle, it looks pretty much like on your car

Untitled.jpg (176.46 KiB) Viewed 138 times

A better picture of the block mark for the crank pulley - blue line

[cn90]

The CRANK marks, this is exactly how they should line up...

[oragex]

Great pic

[XCMat]

Thank CRANK marks, this is exactly how they should line up...

That's the money shot right there... I'll have to take a closer look again now that I have the belt off. Thanks!