Timing / Cam Belt Change

[smilleygrant]

hi there i am trying to change a cam/timing belt on a 1999 citroen xsara 1.6 8v ok and i have taken the belt off :blink: but my question is this how do i set the timing up and how do i know the cranksthaft and camshaft are in the correct position ? im sure i did not move anything but it might be a tooth or 2 out and i dont want to bend valves and stuff .

thanks any info would be great.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Hi! First thing to do is go to your local autostore (Halfords etc) and buy a haynes manual for your car. It will tell you in great detail how to change your belt and time up your engine. One thing you should NEVER do is remove a timing belt without first turning the engine to it's correct position and putting in the lock pins as described in the manual. If your engine turns out to be NOT in the correct timing position you must turn it to that position as described in the manual. But be very carefull to turn the camshaft half as much as the crank to avoid contact between pistons and valves. you should be able to feel if any contact is occurring. if you are in ANY doubt about what's happening, ask a proper mechanic and stop blundering about in the dark!

 

Hope this teaches a lesson! :blink: