Timing Belt: Aligning my Crank/Cam

[DarkLordFreeman]

Hello.

I am replacing my timing belt and other bits, but I am having a bit of trouble aligning my crankshaft and my camshaft together. The issue is I do not see where the mark should be on the cam shaft sprocket.

This is how I have the CRANK shaft aligned:



And this is where I have trouble, the only mark I see around the whole cam shaft sprocket is this little line mark, inside the sprocket(it is underneath the sprocket teeth). So the issue is that it does not align with the cylinder head mark at all, when the Crank is aligned :



^^^ it is the little line mark, right where the timing belt begins to wrap around the sprocket. There are no other marks on the cam shaft sprocket that I can see to align with the cylinder head line.

And the following is just an image of the cylinder head line mark to make sure I have it correct:



So the issue is that I can not seem to line up the cam shaft sprocket. I have rotated the engine around two times to try and get it lined up, but it is still off. I can not see a clearly visible camshaft sprocket line mark, only the little one noted above, which is always off of where it should be anyways.

Help is much appreciated, thank you.

[jlevie]

Before you do anything else, get the updated solid cam sprocket (and a new seal and o-ring). The stamped metal sprockets are weak and prone to failure. The new sprocket has a very clear alignment mark on it.

Don't use the harmonic balance to align the crank. Remove it (you'll have to to change the belt) and you'll find a mark on the crank hub and a v-notch in the inner lower timing cover.

[downforce22]

Second what he said. ^

Those gears are weaker early gears and can rust out/ fail. Having said that...

Early style gear alignment mark:



Later style gear alignment mark:

[DarkLordFreeman]

Before you do anything else, get the updated solid cam sprocket (and a new seal and o-ring). The stamped metal sprockets are weak and prone to failure. The new sprocket has a very clear alignment mark on it.

Don't use the harmonic balance to align the crank. Remove it (you'll have to to change the belt) and you'll find a mark on the crank hub and a v-notch in the inner lower timing cover.

Where can I buy the updated sprocket? For replacement if the piece, I assume it only goes on one way like the sprocket uses a 'key' to be installed correctly? (like a notch so it only fits on one way)

And to align the crank? what do you mean do not use the harmonic balancer?

[DarkLordFreeman]

FYI, I am following Pelican Article DIY, with 2-3 other DIY references to I have a couple of sources for the steps I take with the timing belt service.

Thanks.

[Simple_Smith]

Where can I buy the updated sprocket? For replacement if the piece, I assume it only goes on one way like the sprocket uses a 'key' to be installed correctly? (like a notch so it only fits on one way) And to align the crank? what do you mean do not use the harmonic balancer?

Yes, the new style cam gear has a keyway of sorts. a circle cut into the gear with a dowel pin that will align it to the cam. you should be able to find someone selling one on here. I can't recall if i have a spare one lying around or not..

Pull the 6 bolts from the dampner and crank pulleys out and pull off the dampner. behind it will be the gear for the actual timing belt and you'll see a V notched in the timing cover and a line machined in the timing gear

[DarkLordFreeman]

^^Do you have one lying around sir?

And I should search the classified ads, but is there a place I can order a new one if I can not come across the can sprocket piece? I would like to get the car back together.

[DarkLordFreeman]

My mistake guys, there is a very faint alignment arrow!

I am still looking to grab a revised can sprocket, so where can I buy one of these???

[36brua]

^^Do you have one lying around sir?

And I should search the classified ads, but is there a place I can order a new one if I can not come across the can sprocket piece? I would like to get the car back together.

To start you could post up in the Parts Want to Buy section, and in a Regional sub forum, maybe contact someone like user MR 325. The intermediate shaft is probably stamped stl as well. You might look around for a 'late' cast steel to to go with your replacement cam sprocket. I swapped mine out as well GL

[Sirotto]

11-31-1-714-988 gear wheel,tooth 1 1 57.85
cam


11-31-1-717-398 gear wheel,tooth 1 1 37.17
intermediate



go to the dealer, they are cheap

[SmokeE30]

I doubt the dealer would hve them in stock. Either ask a local friend with a spare m20 around or hit up a junk yard.

[DarkLordFreeman]

Thank you all. I sourced the revised/updated parts. So I will be getting those. Thank you.