ok ive seen this post before but i cant find it. When doing my TB on my 84s the right cam is about 1/8 of a turn counterclockwise out of alignment. I can turn it clockwise 1/8 turn to get it aligned to put on the TB belt. The shop manual says turn the cams counterclockwise to align the cams, but that means i will be turning the cam almost all the way around to get it to line up. What do I do? I have a 16 valve engine and i'm locked a 0 degrees. Any help would be appreciated.
thank you
jason

 

Turn either cam a tooth or two clockwise or counterclockwise as required to fit the timing belt such that all the index marks line up on TDC .... or on the 45 deg BTDC initial point used for interference engines.
Ignore that statement in the WSM for the purpose of stringing the TB on - it was meant to apply once the TB was installed!

Valve spring pressure frequently moves the cams once the TB is off - always be prepared to turn them the least distance to get the TB installed with reasonable tension, and on the marks.

 

Just turn the cam whichever way is shortest to get the marks aligned. The instruction in the WSM is in regards to fine-tuning the alignment. That is, if the belt teeth don't drop in with the cam timing marks aligned, then turn the cam counter-clockwise until they do.

On a lot of 16V cars it seems that the left cam is aligned well but the right-side cam is off maybe half a tooth. If you're really interested in fixing that search for "offset key."

 

Best solution is to get a set of timing stuff from Porken, but its probably a bit late for you now. WSM says rotate cam anti-clock until its wheel fits belt teeth. SOP for 16V engines, happened with mine.
jp 83 Euro S AT 50k

 

You may need special tools at this point?

H2

 

what kind of special tools might i need?

 

32V cars need cam covers off and dial indicator to set valve lift at the timing point, then later the belt tension checker. 16V cars dont need anything special to set timing, just the belt tension tool.
jp 83 Euro S AT 50k, BTDT