Pete L

I am about to replace the cam drive sprockets in my US early 86. Luckily I purchased the gears in 2003!

Have borrowed at PorKen tool from Dr Bob (THANK YOU BOB!!!!!). I checked the setting using PorKen tool at TDC, 45 and 20 degrees and found passenger side is retarded 3 degrees and drives side is at 0 degrees.

So here is my first question, where do I set the motor (TDC, 45 or 20) to best keep the cam springs from moving / jumping them thus potentially simplify the installation. I cannot remember if the cams like to "jump" at 0 degrees vs 45 vs 20. Yep, I know 45 is the non interference setting!

Here is second question - oil pump and crank gears are good - can I do this w/o removing the balancer etc? The belt has only 5000 mile on it, but is 4 year old (no flames, I already ordered Gates belt from Rodger this AM)

Thank S in advance

GregBBRD

Never loosen or remove the belt unless the engine is at 45 degrees BTDC. Anywhere else, you have the potential of bending valves, if the cams jump even a little bit. The cams are exactly 3 teeth from the correct timing marks, if the rotors face towards the driver's side of the car.

It doesn't get any easier than that.