Timing Belt Tricks for DOHC?

Hi. I put a timing belt on my D16A1 motor (DOHC). The directions in my Haynes manual tell me to put the cams with the "UPs" facing up and the timing marks together, then rotate the crankshaft pulley counter-clockwise three teeth to get some tension on the belt between the exhaust cam and the crankshaft sprocket, then tighten up the tensioner.
When I do that and rotate the motor back to top dead center (on the timing cover), the marks on the cams don't line up anymore.
Am I screwing this up? Please let me know before I get the whole shittorea back together and find out I've got it wrong.
Thanks!
Flunky

NO dude...I think that's about right...they don't line up EXACTLY, but should still be close enough to know that you didn't slip a tooth on the sproket. this is the same experience I had when putting a belt on my ZC.

So either we're both fucked :grinno: , or we're both OK :iceslolan

Yeah I spent like 3 hours trying to get it to line up (on my ZC) perfectly and couldnt, it was off by a little bit. Rotate the crankshaft twice to make sure it'll go around completely without to much trouble. If you think its to far off post a pic and we'll let you know what we think.

After playing with it for about two hours, I got it as close as I could and said, "Fuck it."
Which, it turns out, is what you guys advise.
I did rotate it a couple of times, didn't feel any unnecessary resistance or valve interference, so I'm going to assume it's right or at least close.
The timing marks on the cams get close together at TDC, but if you took a ruler and lined up all four marks, it wouldn't be perfect.
Thanks!
Flunky
PS-I'll see if I can round up a digital camera or scan a photo...

It's not a good idea to rotate the crank shaft without the timing belt on because the piston will smack into the valve. It probably won't bend it because without the belt on the cam will just turn feely but why even smack it at all.

For doing DOHC it's a pain in the ass. The best way is like up the crank, slip on the belt, put it over the exhaust cam gear first since there is nothing between it and the crank, then slip it over the intake cam gear since it has the water pump and tensioner and all that crap over there you can get slack easier. Thats pretty much it and practice makes perfect. If you can do it with the timing belt cover completely off that would probably help a lot.