Hey guys,

I know this has been covered and this is just to check my understanding of Top dead center.

Some backround,

I have a 92 v6 3.slow, and at the moment the front end is bare showing the timing belt. now the belt is fresh so i dont want to do a new belt, just the water pump. got the brand new pump ready, and I need to find Top dead center,

my understanding.

I have tried this before and i released the belt and he cams spun, I am hoping TDC will stop this..

TDC?
Take #1 spark plug out,
16mm ratcket on the crankshaft (clock wise)
line up all three marks
crankshaft on (0 degrees) marker

is this right so far? will this prevent the cams spinning automaticaly after the belt released??


Thanks you for you help.

 

TDC will not stop the cams from jumping.

TDC is easy on the 3.0..... Line up the mark on the each cam with the mark on the backing plate and the mark on the crank gear with the mark on the oil pump. Bingo......TDC.

This engine is non-interference so if the cams jump, and they likely will, you can rotate them the back to TDC without any harm to the heads.

Do you have a copy of the FSM (Factory Service Manual)? If not, get one from the link below in my sig line.

 

 

rworegon has it right. The pressure of the valve springs will cause the cam to move a few degrees once the belt slacks, but don't worry about it. Just turn the cams (if necessary) when installing the belt, and make sure the marks line up once you re-apply the tensioner pressure.

If your case, you will be careful enough that the belt won't come off the cams when you replace the water pump. When you tighten it back up, everything will move back into place.