Cam belt on a K, setting it up in safe position?

[Phil]

Hi

Had a customer in rebuilding a 1.8 K series in a Freelander, he ordered a cam lock tool, when he called to collect the tool he said that he had already done the job setting the engine up for safe running, I do not understand why he has done this?

He had been advised to get all the pistons level, line up the bottom marks then fit the belt, the idea being that the pistons were away from the valves making them safe.

 

Is this possible and will he have to re set the belt at a later date?

 

Phil

[SLR No.77]

If I understand you correctly what you're describing is the standard Rover procedure... 90º before TDC (pistons all level) at which position the exhaust/inlet identification on the cam pulleys will all line up horizontally. It's the usual place to start when removing/refitting the pulleys and belt.

 

Stu.

[Phil]

The engine is up and running but he has failed the MOT on emissions, he has replaced all the sensors and the exhaust has no leaks, I wondered if the timing had anything to do with it?

 

[myothercarsa2cv]

It could be that he didn't get the belt tight enough on the long run between cam pulley and crank pulley. If not, the tensioner would have take up the slack and put everything a notch out of time. Not so easy to spot as the timing marks on the cam pulleys will still line up...

[Grim Reaper]

When the cam sprocket marks are in line, the mark on the bottom pulley should be in line with the mark on the belt cover that is in line with the centreline of the engine (NOT the multiple degree markings off to the left)