Timing Marks etc.
Timing Position.
Crank Pulley in Timing (Safe) Position.
Timing Dots on Crank Sprocket.
Inlet Cam Pulley.
Exhaust Cam Pulley.
Pulleys with Locking Tool in Position.
VVC Rear Cam Pulleys. (This position is used for setting timing. Before cam carrier removal, the pulleys should be positioned with marks facing outwards)
Tips on cam timing
Before removing the belt, make sure that the engine is set to its safe timing marks. In this position, the crankshaft is at 90 degrees before TDC and all the pistons are half way down their bores. This means that the cams can be turned without damaging the valves. The cam pulley marks can be seen after removing upper belt cover.
Only turn the engine over using the crank pulley bolt or by rocking the car with it in gear. Do not turn it using the cam pulley bolts. Removing the spark plugs make this easier.
To undo the crank pulley bolt, do it before removing the belt and make sure that the cam locking tool is
NOT in position between the pulleys or you could damage the belt or even bend the valves.
Never turn the crank with the head removed unless the liners are first clamped in position, as they can move. If the timing position has been disturbed, an alternative would be to refit the head with no cams installed so that the valves are closed.
The cam timing tool is only required to assist in final fitting of the cam belt. It is not required at any other time - if the cams move, this is not a problem with the crank in its Safe (Timing) position and they can easily be turned back when required.
Do not use the cam timing tool between the pulleys to hold them while undoing the bolts. The tool to use is either one that picks up on the pulley spokes or you can use some types of oil filter strap wrench (not the chain type) wrapped around the cam pulley.
Cam belts can fail internally and still look new on the outside. If a belt has been contaminated with any fluid (including water!) or pinched it should be replaced.
Final belt tension should only be set after rotating the engine a couple of turns by hand, stopping at the timing position.
Cam timing notch is on the front flange of the crank pulley as shown and positions the crank at 90 Degrees BTDC (Safe or Timing position).
The best crank timing mark is to line the mark between the two dots on the crank sprocket. The crank pulley has been known to slip round on the hub giving a false indication, as the pulley locating key is very small and it is possible to damage it when refitting, again resulting in an incorrect timing mark position.