I just got my timing belt kit from blaufergneugen. I'm on step 13 of the instructions, where i need to insert the crank locking pin.

the instructions say that the bolt i need to access is on the block, below the drivers side motor mount. my dad and I have been under the car for 2 hours trying to figure out where the hell to put it. We found a 10mm bolt near the described location, but it's nearly impossible to get at with a long *** extension, and doesnt really look like what is shown in the picture in the instructions.

If anyone can help I'd REALLY appreciate it as I want to drive to Dallas tomorrow.

 

Thats probably it. It's up kind of high on the block... You don't HAVE to have that in to do the TB. I haven't used it on any of my TB jobs. Just make sure it doesn't move once everthing is taken off. Best way is to get it in TDC and mark the crank, and both cams so that way you can make sure it's all lined up still when you put it back together.

I had the shop do the TB on my car a while back and they actually messed it up and I ended up having to re-due the timing belt again because the tensioner pulley bolt broke (they didnt tighten it enough) and when they did it they used the crank lock. Well about 500 miles later I was driving and got a low pressure light because my car dumped ALL it's oil on the road due to the crank locking pin bolt leaking. Just an FYI.

josh

 

I have the cam locking tool (the aluminum bar that bolts across the cams to keep them secured during the TB change). Are you telling me that the crank lock pin is a redundant safety measure? If so, that will save me a shitload of trouble because i just cannot get access to the bolt in question. Do I understand correctly?

Thanks for your help.

 

In addition to the above - I set everything to TDC using marks on crank pulley and guide, made sure the cam shaft pulleys were in the correct position (larger holes inside, etc.) and went about loosening the water pump bolts and such. I look up and the left cam gear has rotated the previous 9:00 - 3:00 position to 11:00 - 5:00. Certain I did not turn the main crank when removing the crank pulley. The right cam pulley is still in the correct position. Any recommendations on correcting this? I am thinking I can just rotate it back to the right position but this is a bit unsettling...

 

Using instructions from Blaufergnugen...not certain they are as helpful and prescriptive as they could be given the cost....They have yet to call for installing the cam locking bar, and the drive belt has been removed several steps ago.

 

Also - the top bolt on the water pump is ridiculously concealed behind the power steering pump, the power steering pulley is also completely in the way of the bolt that would allow the power steering pump to be loosened and rotated out of the way. Any recommendations on how to get at these bolts? I have been looking t removing the power steering pulley but not seeing a way to lock into position/loosen the allen heads on the pulley face.

 

I would just put the cam locking bar on now. And VERY carefully turn the cam the moved back to where it needs to go. BE VERY CAREFUL since there are springs for the valves so if you go to far it will snap and then hit the pistons.... Just a heads up.

Josh