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Re: replacing the timing belt -- CAUTION with "the rope trick" 200 91

posted by  someone claiming to be Don Foster on  Sat Sep 18 07:19 CST 1999 [RELATED]

Tim --

Thanks for reminding us -- the "rope trick" is a good method, but there's a bit more to it.

First, when loosening the pulley bolt, you must set the engine to #1 TDC, and then turn the crank about 90 degrees clockwise. Stuff in the rope. Then, when you start loosening the bolt, the rope compresses against CLOSED valves (the cylinder's in the power stroke).

To tighten 'n retorque the pulley, bolt -- again set the engine to #1 TDC, but turn the crank 90 degrees counterclockwise. Stuff in the rope and tighten and torque. Again, the rope is compressed against CLOSED valves (the cylinder's in the compression stroke).

Two things are important -- making sure you're setting TDC for #1, and making sure you stage the piston to push UP against rope.

If you simply turn the crank "...so the piston is about half way down the barrel..." you have a 50-50 chance of timing on #4, and a 50-50 chance of catching #1 headed down (not up). So you have a 75% chance of bearing against an open valve, and maybe doing something very expensive.






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