968 timing belt question/ Finding TDC

[MD540iT]

Im trying to get the timing belt changed, have done a couple 44s, but this 968 is causing a bit more frustration.

I can't find TDC mark on the fly wheel (through the top port).
I have tried and tried, Yes, I moved it very very slowly(had someone else move it actually) Now there is a scrape down the entire middle section (between sensor timing marks and the starter teeth).

But I was wondering, Since the 968 has the split bellhousing can I open it up and see the tdc mark that way? Then I could mark it with paint and hopefully see it through the window on top?
I know the 944s have the hole at the bottom of the bell housing, does the 968 also have this? (car is at the PO' right now, trying to get the belt changed to drive it back)


Lets assume there is NO TDC mark (for the top viewport anyway)
how else can I TRIPLE check I line it up right?

On the other hand, Since the car ran fine before and the current belt looks in good condition. If I find the TDC with the wooden stick, AND line up the cam mark. can I just pull the old belt and swap it with out any worry? (and should I bother with the flywheel lock since I don't intend to pull the crank pulley?)

also would it save some effort to just cut the old timing belt off?

and what size nail do you need for the tensioner?

[thomasryan]

there is a 10mm hole on the front clutch cover plate for viewing a line on the forward face of the flywheel that can also be used as a reference.

[944 Ecology]

Originally Posted by MD540iT

and what size nail do you need for the tensioner?

I have used a 1.5 mm allen wrench,

[v2rocket_aka944]

ive gotten a thick paperclip to work too.

[thomasryan]

the Subaru manual says to keep the tensioner cylinder vertical during compression.

the crank washer suffices to protect the bottom of the tensioner.

[MD540iT]

do you have to remove the crank pulley??