I am nearly half-way through the timing belt replacement on a 1998 Contour (thanks to BrApple's post-98 instructions!). The timing belt had about 12 teeth in a row that were stripped out and eventually which kept the engine from starting. I had originally had the rough idle which I am now sure was due to the teeth issue.
When I get to the point of lining the crank to top dead center, I see that the cam notches at the back do not quite line up parallel with the top of the head to get the alignment tool in. Even if I get one to line up, the other is still off by a tooth or so which is probably due to the cam slipping after the teeth started to go.
1) Once I remove the timing belt, should try and line up the two cams so I can slip the alignment tool in? I did not see this scenario documented in the procedure, but I am sure it's pretty common when the teeth strip. Most instructions assumed these notches were even.
2) Does one rotation of each camshaft match TDC as long as the notches line up, or is there a possibility that I am off by more than one rotation of the cam shaft? If so, how can I check that I am on the right rotation?
I appreciate the help! Thanks!
When I get to the point of lining the crank to top dead center, I see that the cam notches at the back do not quite line up parallel with the top of the head to get the alignment tool in. Even if I get one to line up, the other is still off by a tooth or so which is probably due to the cam slipping after the teeth started to go.
1) Once I remove the timing belt, should try and line up the two cams so I can slip the alignment tool in? I did not see this scenario documented in the procedure, but I am sure it's pretty common when the teeth strip. Most instructions assumed these notches were even.
2) Does one rotation of each camshaft match TDC as long as the notches line up, or is there a possibility that I am off by more than one rotation of the cam shaft? If so, how can I check that I am on the right rotation?
I appreciate the help! Thanks!