Timing belt alignment
A factory service manual would help, but I'm assuming that if you had one, you probably wouldn't be on this site.
To set the timing, you need to first perform the obvious: remove the accessory drive belts, cam pulley covers, and engine fan and hub. Next you'll need to rotate the engine by hand until the timing marks on the camshaft sprockets and crankshaft are aligned with their corresponding stationary marks. The 0 degree mark on the lower timing belt cover is the timing mark for the crankshaft pulley. There is a mark (small, vertical formed indentation) for the left camshaft pulley on the backing plate behind the pulley near the 1 o` clock position. The same mark exists for the right camshaft pulley only it is on the backing plate near the 8 o`clock position (making it difficult to see). With the crankshaft placed at the zero mark, you can observed where the timing discrepancy exists.
(TIP: Once the right camshaft timing is properly lined up, etch an
additional mark on the pulley's face and the backing plate at the 12
o`clock position. This will make it easier to align the pulley for
furture adjustments and repairs)
To set the timing correctly, move the crankshaft pulley to 12 deg. BTDC. Being careful to not disturb the position of the crankshaft once it has been moved to that position, remove the crankshaft pulley, lower timing belt cover, timing belt tensioner, and timing belt. Compress the timing belt tensioner and if the original ring pin isn't available to retain the tensioner a small allen wrench can be used to achieve the same results. Line up both camshaft marks and reinstall the timing belt and timing belt tensioner (do not remove the timing belt tensioner tool used to maintain the tensioner piston in a compressed position). When installing the timing belt, be sure to allow the least amount of slack to exisit between the left camshaft pulley and the crankshaft sprocket, but without moving the pulleys.
Next, remove the timing belt tensioner piston retention tool and mount the lower timing belt cover and crankshaft pulley (without fully installing them). Rotate the crankshaft pulley to the 0 deg. mark. If done correctly, moving the crankshaft pulley from 12 deg. BTDC to 0 deg. will remove all remaining slack from the timing belt assembly and the camshaft pulleys and crankshaft pulleys will be lined up with their corresponding marks. Once proper timing has been achieved, install all removed parts.
(Another TIP: I hope it's not necessary, but in case it is, I'll remind you that proper torque of all bolts are necessary as this is an all aluminum engine. Stripping out bolts holes due to over-tightening bolts occurs very easily and become very annoying to deal with [e.g. alternator belts not being able to be tightened completely and constantly squealing every few days, etc.])
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