shwndh

I've got my timing belt off and I need to realign the cams and the crank. All three have the markings from the last TB change but being that this is such a critical step - I'm just feeling for tips and info before I just line them up and fire up the engine.

Is there a way I can make sure I won't bend valves?

Mat Indukts Lambos

What engine?

If you have the V6 (AHA/ATQ), you'll need the special tools to be foolproof. Simply marking the cam gears isn't accurate, but will work. I think for less than $300 you can get all the tools you'd need. Crank pin special tool 3242, cam bar #3391, and cam gear popper #T40001.

For the 1.8T, once you have the crank at TDC, tensioner installed with pin in, align the cam gear so it's just a little past the marks, closer to the driver's side. Get the timing belt on, pull the pin, and use an 8mm allen to tighten the tensioner. Once that's done, and the cam/crank marks still look lined up, put a breaker bar on the crank bolt & move it back & forth(just a little!) a few times & then line it back up. Doing this evens out the tension all the way around the belt. If after doing this, your marks are still lined up, and tension's tight, walk it around 720 by hand. Line it back up, check the marks, etc., make sure everything's tight.

shwndh

about a half turn and I don't know in which direction. How do I know it's realigned if I just move it back to the mark? What will the tools do that will make it fool proof? Also where can I get them or should I just chalk this one up and tow it to a local shop?

BattlefieldA4

Where do you live?

shwndh

I'm in atlanta

SCd_Walter

there is a timing mark on the crank pulley, line it back up with the one on the block, then put the cam gear "ears" back on horizontal. (do all this w/ the TB etc back on)