Little confusion on Timing Balance Belt Adjustment

[Cking1975]

Ok,

Maybe I am missing something ???

If I am making adjustments to the timing and balance belt use the Arnn Worx Gauge Kit...do I need to set everything and TDC...which means, do I need the Flywheel lock to make adjustments the belts ???

[CJFusco]

I think you should absolutely set the car to TDC; when you tighten or loosen the belts, the cam or crank gears might move accordingly. It's best to make sure that you start AND finish with both gears at TDC.

Don't worry about using the flywheel lock for this. Just make absolutely sure that you are at TDC before you start the car.

[HondaDustR]

Originally Posted by CJFusco

Just make absolutely sure that you are at TDC before you start the car.

...that you are at TDC and the timing gear mark is aligned before you start.

[speedracing944]

follow the instructions on www.clarks-garage.com

Speedy

[Cking1975]

Ok, I will do that

[mikepellegrini]

As long as the belts stay on the pullies, it's not necessary to find TDC.

If you're just tensioning a belt that's already been replaced (say checking the tension at 1,500 and 3,000 miles) then just go for it.

The only time you need to set everything at TDC and put on your flywheel lock is when you're actually going to take the belts off.

[mattdavis11]

As Mike said, there is no need to find TDC. Vice grips or other will hold the belt on the teeth of the pulleys to keep it from jumping time/balance if you make a mistake while you make your initial adjustment. Do not keep them on, for obvious reasons, while you make final adjustments. You don't need a flywheel lock for any 944 maintenance, it's a waste of time/money if you ask me.

[Cking1975]

So say I am replacing the belts, as long as I keep the crank from moving then it does not matter if I have a Flywheel lock ? In addition do I need the thin wrench??? Or can I adjust the 27mm bolt with a standard wrench ???

[Cking1975]

This entire theory makes no sense ??? If I went in and took all the belts off with no care at all and before installing the new belts I adjust the crank and cam to TDC/ and the Balance shafts until the knotches allign before I install the new belts everything should be fine...?

[bud9344]

Trick off the trade, the best thing before you takle anything with the timing on the car, the best thing to do first is the set the gear on TDC.
I find the best way: Iis find the crank mark on the window and then line up the crank mark to the bell housing mark, that way you are sure you are on TDC.
Don't forget: Crank rotate twice while the cam rotate once !
Good Luck

-------------------------------
Bud

[mattdavis11]

You don't need a flywheel lock, you don't need a calibration tool, and you don't need a special thin 27mm, but you do need new belts and may improvise on the wrench. Mine is a cut down, bent, shaved, and rusty 1 inch wrench that had been laying around for 30 years.

You aren't going to accidentally roll the motor over without knowing. The cam is a different story, but even blind men can get that dead on balls accurate every time. Put a couple of dots on the crank gear and housing if you are worried about it.

The only time I have ever thought I needed a flywheel lock was when I was having a hard time busting the crank bolt loose, but even then I didn't need one.

Timing/balance belts are so simple guys, quit making it difficult and get out there and change the somebytches.

[Slam]

mattdavis11 - love your approach! ^+1

Everything has timing marks - crank, cam sprocket, balance shafts. Plus, if you're careful while you're turning the engine by hand you'll feel if something isn't right. As far as tensioning goes, I use the krikit and drive new every two.