Jeff Doble

Well, I'm almost to the point of bolting on the head to the block. Before I do that I figure I should start marking stuff. What exactly should I mark for timing reference before assembling my motor? I've never even done a timing belt before so this is yet another learning experience. I'm assuming I'm really only concerned with cylinder 1 TDC, is that right? The crank sprocket has a white mark already on it, but it doesn't line up to anything for TDC.

Any tips for lining everything up before getting to the cylinder head? And is there any advantage to putting in the lifters and camshaft while the head is still on the bench, or should I wait until it's mounted?

JD

dB

The timing can be set once everything (head, fywheel, and transmission are attached to the block, and you have the distributor in). I replaced my engine last year. I waited until the motor was in the car before putting the timing belt on. You have three things to line up. There's a pointer on the bell housing that you use to line up the "0" on the flywheel. You line up the distributor marks via the intermediate shaft. Finally, you line up the dot on the cam sprocket to the top surface of the cylinder head. The Bentley will show you this. I don't even bother marking the sprockets anymore when doing a timing belt job. Hope this helps.

V8 CGT + V8 UrQ

Just rotate the bottom end until the #1 piston looks like it's at the top of it's travel. That will be close enough until you put the timing belt on.

Put the cam in now and the cam cover on now [as soon as the head is bolted on that is]. That will keep dirt and stuff from falling in your engine while you're finagling it into place.

Sir Bentley should have several excellent chapters in the forepart of his tome about engine assembly and installation. Seek additional guidance there as necessary, the timing belt instructions are superb.

mt6127

I recall seeing something posted on how to read the timing mark on the sproket to avoid being one tooth off (ie a visual reference) - but I don't recall who made the suggestion.