Hi,

Yes, another question about DIY timing belt change. Is there a point that I can or should turn the motor over to see if everything is ok before I put the truck back together? I understand that if the timing isn't perfect (or very close to) the truck will run horribly, if it all.

Also, I did not set the crank to 0 degrees/TDC before removing the belt. Is my goal now to make certain the pulley and engine markings are aligned? In other words, I will line the markings up and is there anything else I need to do?

Thank you!

 

If the crank and cam pulley is aligned then your motor will start 100%, assuming your other stuff is in place. There's nothing else you need to do but cover everything back up and get back on the road.

 

There is no 'close to.' You are either on or a tooth out (at least). And you will know. Have faith, button up, turn the key, and hear her purr. It's a great feeling.

 

With the belt on, turn the engine over 2 revolutions (with your wrench on the crank bolt) and check the marks on your crank and cams. Don't worry about the marks on the belt, they won't line up. If they all line up still, you're good to go.

 

i lined up the cam with the marks on the backing plate and the crank with the little nub on the block lined up the belt marks with the cams and put everything back together and it fired up and has been fine for the last 500 miles

 

Thanks for the input.

You're right Durk: Great feeling when you turn the crank a few times and the marks align. Even better feeling when you fire it up and it purrs. I have my fingers crossed that the hydraulic tensioner unit doesn't fail in the next little while. I cranked the SST nice and slow.

My new favorite sound is the faint whine the tranny filter produces. I decided to throw one in line before the cooler. I wanna crack open the filter and see how effective it is.

I installed a new radiator, the tranny cooler/filter, water pump, cam/crank seals, belt, and Tstat. Anything besides the coolant level to keep an eye on over the next few days?

The water pump came with a gasket. I used FIPG initially, but decided to take the pump off, clean the surfaces a little better, and re-install using the gasket. We'll see how it goes.

The pump and stat I replaced are still in pretty good condition. If anyone would like them for trail parts, PM me.

Thanks again for the input everyone!