Timing marks won't line up....

Finally gotten around to trying to change out the timing belt, but there's one problem....the marks don't line up. I can get the marks on the crank sprocket and driver's side cam gear to line up, but the cam gear on the passenger side is always 2-3 teeth off. What can I do to get things lined up so I can get this job done? The vehicle was running fine before I stopped driving it, save for a pretty loud noise which I discovered was a bolt from the power steering pump bracket that had broken off and fallen in under the timing covers. Any help would be appreciated...thanks.

maybe due to the streach of the old belt (did you make your marks or are you using factory)

start on the left side which is the important side i was told pull belt tight slide on


maybe....

Some owners have had luck using large spring binder clips (used for stacks of paper) to hold the T-belt firmly to the cam sprockets as you get everything together.
G/luck
Joel

I know there are arrows on the belt which must point to the front of the car.

Maybe the belt is reversed throwing off the timing marks.

Just a guess on my part.

Dale

I did a belt change on my 97 3.2 DOHC Rodeo last year. I had the same problem at first and went to the dealer for advice. They suggested using medium sized plastic V-shaped wood project clamps (easy to find and cheap)to hold the belt to the top two cams and wait until the tensioner is fully engaged to determine if the marks line up. Sure enough, after getting as close as possible before the tensioner is set in place (about three teeth off) it was lined up perfectly after hand turning over the crankshaft one revolution. I used a Haynes manual too.
I wish i knew that trick before spending over an hour on false attempts to line it up. Hope this is helpful. Highland

Good tips on using the spring binder clips or the plastic project clamps.

I'll remember that when it comes time to replace my timing belt.

Dale