Timing belt

[oomchu]

Ok, so I decided I should start a new thread due to the fact is indeed a broken timing belt. It's a 1998 ZX2 DOHC.

So, looking through the chilton manual this doesn't look that tough. I have an extended weekend so I have some time to deal with this. Now, the manual says to line up the cams.

Can I line the cams up without pulling the valve cover off? If not what's the best way to get said valve cover off? I tried getting it off earlier and that little bugger is really stuck.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[mightymoose_22]

It shouldn't be on there too bad... maybe someone used some Permatex or something to glue it on there. If you are certain you have all the bolts securing the valve cover removed and it still won't budge, consider inserting a prybar into the oil opening and see if you can work it loose... just be careful not to damage the threads. If that isn't working, and if you can find adequate room, you should be able to wedge something thin between the valve cover and the head to break the seal. You can always try whacking it with a rubber mallet too... just be careful not to cause yourself more problems.

All that said, I am not totally certain the valve cover needs to come off. I believe all the timing marks you need are on the side of the engine. Someone else will have to confirm that though.

[rhandwor]

Look at your manual closely it should have a picture of the timing marks. I think if you clean the front of the valve cover you will see the mark. The mark on the pulley and the other mark have to line up. The crank also has to be on zero. Should be two marks to line up. The manual will have pictures look for the diagram. Some times the oil pump has to be lined up also.

[oomchu]

ok, cool thanks.

The manual mentioned something about using a TDC tool to line up the cams. From what I can see all that is is a metal bar inserted into the slots on the cams and the only way I can see to do something like that is by removing the valve cover.

thanks for the advice, I will look for the timing marks before I do an unnecessary work.