Trouble finding the timing belt crank pulley mark?

[929_owner]

Hey, the timing belt on my HD snapped and I'm in the process of replacing it. I was able to find the timing marks for the 4 cams but I don't know where to find the marks on the crank pulley. I have not taken the pulleys off yet. I know you must compare the pulley's mark to the timing belt cover, where it has the 15 0 15 degree scale on the plastic near the pulley, right? But where is the mark itself? Does it become clear after you take the pulleys off?? Thanks!

[NoD]

The timing mark is a notch on the rim. Its a good idea to apply some blanco or white paint to the notch, it will be easier to see.
When u install the timing belt u will align the dowel on the crank to the mark on the block.

[929_owner]

The timing mark is a notch on the rim. Its a good idea to apply some blanco or white paint to the notch, it will be easier to see.
When u install the timing belt u will align the dowel on the crank to the mark on the block.[/b]

Helpful. So the mark for tdc is on the block, and I compare that with a mark on the shaft after I take the pulleys off?

[NoD]

the tdc mark will be on the timing belt cover, where it stands 0 - 20 deg, you compare this to the notch that is on the rim of the pulley.

i would set it on tdc with the help of the pulley, then take the pulley and cover off, then u can compare and see that the dowel on the crank lines up with the mark on the block.

This is to avoid fitting the cover and pulley each time u adjust the timing belt.

I also check all the marks when everything is fitted.

ps. i would suggest removing the plugs, its easier to rotate the engine without compression

[929_owner]

the tdc mark will be on the timing belt cover, where it stands 0 - 20 deg, you compare this to the notch that is on the rim of the pulley.

i would set it on tdc with the help of the pulley, then take the pulley and cover off, then u can compare and see that the dowel on the crank lines up with the mark on the block.

This is to avoid fitting the cover and pulley each time u adjust the timing belt.

I also check all the marks when everything is fitted.

ps. i would suggest removing the plugs, its easier to rotate the engine without compression[/b]

Hey, quick check in. I took off the pulleys and matched the notch in the timing gear rim with the pointer at the bottom of the block. I'm now stuck though, how do you know when the crank and pistons are at tdc? I took out the spark plug on cylinder 1 and stuck in a coat hanger to let me know when it is at the top of its stroke, but I don't know how to tell the difference between the compression stroke or the other stroke. Every turn I make for the timing gear on the crank, piston 1 is at the top of its stroke every time the marks match for every spin. So at this point, is it just a matter of lining up the notches and its good or is it every other turn or something like that that is actually tdc? Thanks!

[mazdaus]

any pics

[NoD]

The piston is tdc en every stroke of the crank, rotate it twice and it will go through the intake and exhaust cycle

As your timing belt is intact i would suggest liking the marks up on the cams and crank before you take it off, if they all line up its all good

remember to rotate twice and check again

[929_owner]

The piston is tdc en every stroke of the crank, rotate it twice and it will go through the intake and exhaust cycle

As your timing belt is intact i would suggest liking the marks up on the cams and crank before you take it off, if they all line up its all good

remember to rotate twice and check again[/b]

I'll try and take pictures tomorrow. Unfortunately, the belt snapped and is not intact so I am trying my best to manaully line everything up. I'm confident the 4 cams are lined up now, as the notches in the cams line up with the pointers, it is just the crank that I am unsure of setting to tdc.

So, is this correct? Just to confirm, regardless of stroke, if piston 1 is at the top of the chamber, and the markings for the crank line up, this is proper tdc?

Also, just to double check, piston 1 is the piston closest to you on the left cylinder bank when you are looking at the engine from the front?

Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure I am doing my first timing belty correctly! Thanks!

[NoD]

Yes, When the mark is lined up its at TDC. If you are unsure about the dowel you can put the pulley and timingbelt cover back on and check to see if the notch lines up with the 0 on the cover.

Yes, that is correct.

[929_owner]

Yes, When the mark is lined up its at TDC. If you are unsure about the dowel you can put the pulley and timingbelt cover back on and check to see if the notch lines up with the 0 on the cover.

Yes, that is correct.[/b]

Awesome, thanks for the info. I went out today and put the belt on. That has to be one of the hardest time consuming things I have ever done. A few questions from my experiences out there today..

With the hydraulic tensioner fully retracted with a pin in it, is it supposed to still be extremely hard to get the belt finally over the tensioner pulley? I had a very difficult time getting it on, I ended up prying it on with a long sturdy screwdriver.

Also, what took me so long.. after I lined up all the cams the best I could with the markings, I put on the belt, put it over the tensioner pulley and guess what, the cams on the passenger side of the engine were off by a tooth. This went on for many tries.. about ten, until I got it perfect. I had to put the belt on, see which ones were off after the belt was fully on, then belt off, align them with the marks except back a tooth, try again, and eventually I think I got it. Is all of this struggle also normal? As well as having to fight at least one of the cams because as you turn it to match the marks it spins itself half a turn with good force..

I THINK i've got it now though, I spun the engine around to get the cams to turn 3 times and they seem to match up the best they possibly can... although not completely perfect. Reason for concern?

Thanks!

Oh yeah, since I was able to get the engine to turn over by hand a few times without a ton of tension, is it safe to use the starter?