97 Grand Am Timing Belt...

[rdeckert]

1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE
2.4L Engine
Automatic

Okay, so I'm thinking the timing is off on my pontiac. First off, I've never owned a car with a timing belt before this one, it's always been timing chains. So I know that when you adjust the timing chain on any car, you have to line it up top dead center, arrow to arrow (or whatever you want to call it). Now my question is, is there still a "top dead center" on this car even though it has a timing belt instead of a timing chain?

[GTP Dad]

Yes, there is always a top dead center on an engine. There should be reference marks on the block and timing gears that will indicate when the car is at top dead center. You can check to make sure the belt hasn't slipped by lining the marks up. If it has slipped then the marks will be off. A Chiltons or Haynes manual would be quite helpful when doing this repair.

[Airjer_]

Doesn't the 2.4 have a timing chain. The only engines GM made with belts was the dual overhead cam 3.5 and the 2.0 (the geo engines had them as well)

[rdeckert]

If the car uses a belt, how can the belt slip? I thought there were no notches on the belt? I know there are of course on the chain.

Originally Posted by Airjer_

Doesn't the 2.4 have a timing chain. The only engines GM made with belts was the dual overhead cam 3.5 and the 2.0 (the geo engines had them as well)

That's what someone else said to me to, but as sure as day is light, it's a belt.

[Airjer_]

Than its not a pontiac!