Timing Belt: Service and Repair

Camshaft Timing Check






An access plug is provided in the cam drive belt cover so that camshaft timing can be checked without removal of the cover or any other parts.

1. Remove access plug from cam drive belt cover.






2. Set crankshaft to TDC by aligning the TC mark on the timing belt cover with notch on crankshaft pulley.






To align the timing marks, turn the crankshaft pulley attaching bolt.

CAUTION: Always rotate crankshaft clockwise, which is the normal direction of rotation. Reverse rotation (counterclockwise) may cause the timing belt to jump time due to the arrangement of the timing belt tensioner.

3. Look through the access hole in the belt cover to be sure that the timing mark on the camshaft drive sprocket is aligned with the pointer on the inner timing belt cover assembly.

If the mark is not in sight, turn the crankshaft one complete revolution and check the timing mark alignment.

- If the timing marks are aligned, the camshaft is properly timed to the crankshaft.
- If the timing marks do not align, proceed to Camshaft Timing Adjustment in this article.


Belt Removal
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove drive belts and water pump pulley.






3. Remove the four bolts holding the timing belt cover, remove cover.
4. Remove the crankshaft damper and pulley bolt.






5. Using Crankshaft Damper Remover T74P-6312-A, or equivalent, remove the crankshaft damper and pulley.






6. Loosen timing belt tensioner adjusting bolt.
7. Using camshaft belt tensioner tool No. T74P-6254-A or equivalent, pry tensioner away from timing belt.
8. While holding tensioner away from belt, secure it in released position by tightening belt tensioner adjustment bolt.
9. Remove timing belt.

Camshaft Timing Adjustment

1. Remove spark plugs.

Fig. 2 Align Timing Marks On Crankshaft Sprocket & Engine Front Cover:

2. Turn the crankshaft to align the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket with the timing mark on the engine front cover.

Fig. 3 Aligning Timing Marks On Camshaft Sprocket & Inner Timing Belt Cover:

3. Turn the camshaft to align the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket with the timing mark on the inner timing belt cover.






4. Remove the distributor cap and set the rotor to the number one firing position by turning the auxiliary shaft.

Belt Installation






1. Be sure the belt and sprockets are clean and not worn or damaged, and that timing marks are aligned.






2. With the aid of Camshaft Belt Tensioner Tool T74P-6254-A, or equivalent, move belt tensioner to no tension position, tighten the adjustment lock bolt and install the belt.
3. Loosen adjustment lock bolt and allow the tensioner to tighten the belt.
4. Torque the pivot bolt (in the spring) to 38-54 N-m (28-40 lb-ft) and the adjustment lock bolt to 19-28 N-m (14-21 lb-ft).
5. Install crankshaft damper and pulley, start the retaining bolt and torque to 136-162 N-m (100-120 lb-ft).
6. Install timing belt cover and the four retaining bolts. Torque to 8-12 N-m (71-106 lb-in.).
6. Install water pump pulley, torque to 19-28 N-m (16-21 lb-ft).
7. Install drivebelts.