QUESTION about timing belts

[BikeMaine]

Keep in mind that I have never changed a timing belt before.

Just to be clear, I have read the directions and watched a few videos and I have complete confidence to do this job.

However, could a person, if so inclined do it differently? (not saying I'm going to do this, but I'm a curious person.)

Here's my scenario:
Instead of turning the engine to TDC and so forth, why couldn't a guy just remove timing belt covers, mark both cam pulleys with a Sharpie and a corresponding mark on the engine that matches up with the mark on the pulley? Either way, the timing stays the same.

I'm not a mechanic, but this is what I think of when I'm bored....

[Whiskerfish]

I don't think there is any position that you could have them in that they will not move when the belts are removed. The spring tension from the valve springs are going to seek a neutral spot. That is why the standard is to use TDC. It is just a safer starting point.

But yes theoretically you could do it from anywhere if you could lock them in good.

[BikeMaine]

Whiskerfish,

For instance, in this Youtube video, the guy takes a deep-well socket and vise-grips it through the pulley hole. He did this on both pulleys with a new belt within the loop on the vise-grips.

Couldn't this be accomplished like this without setting TDC and do the same thing with the vise-grips?

[gltriker]

Where's eric?

[BikeMaine]

Where's eric?

If it isn't wise or good practice, that's cool too, but I'm just curious.

[gltriker]

Where's eric?

If it isn't wise or good practice, that's cool too, but I'm just curious.

Not judging the value of your question......at all. (note my mantra in my signature line)
Just thought of ericheath and his extensive experimentations with GL camshafts and timing pulleys.

[BikeMaine]

Where's eric?

If it isn't wise or good practice, that's cool too, but I'm just curious.

Not judging the value of your question......at all.
Just thought of ericheath and his extensive experimentations with GL camshafts and timing pulleys.

No, no, all's good Brother, I didn't think that at all.

[gltriker]

If it isn't wise or good practice, that's cool too, but I'm just curious.

Not judging the value of your question......at all.
Just thought of ericheath and his extensive experimentations with GL camshafts and timing pulleys.

No, no, all's good Brother, I didn't think that at all.

[5speed]

my comment is based on working on small block chevies..so it may be way out in left field...lol
putting the #1 cylinder on TDC means both valves are closed..which means no valve spring resistance from that cylinder..
apparently this is an issue on wing motors as the right hand cam pulley will move due to valve spring pressure.
if you mark both pulleys in a random spot you may end up with valve spring pressure on both cams..and both pulleys will move on you..
how did I do Eric?

[BikeMaine]

my comment is based on working on small block chevies..so it may be way out in left field...lol
putting the #1 cylinder on TDC means both valves are closed..which means no valve spring resistance from that cylinder..
apparently this is an issue on wing motors as the right hand cam pulley will move due to valve spring pressure.
if you mark both pulleys in a random spot you may end up with valve spring pressure on both cams..and both pulleys will move on you..
how did I do Eric?

I can understand that

[ericheath]

C'mon, Cliff. I leave you with this easy stuff and..... Kevin it can be done, but in my 'piñon, 'taint wohth the risk. The pressure of the valve springs can move the cams rather suddenly. You'll see when you do it. If you could truly pinch the pulleys in place and had your crank marked it's a go, but you still have the issue of belt tension. I've seen the video and if the socket fit perfectly, I can't see how you'd get off.

The first time is a little daunting, but I think it's still the best way.

[BikeMaine]

Cool, I understand what you mean.
Thanks Eric

[Don R]

I've seen the downside of losing your spot changing timing belts. It cost the guy both heads. There is usually a reason for a procedure and it's easy to have confidence when you follow it. Double check, I like to rotate the motor a turn and readjust the left side tensioner so both sides are tensioned against the valve spring.