Easy way to get Gen 3 (3.0-3.5) 5sfe Timing perfect

[Mister_Perkins]

Hey guys, I have a suggestion for you guys trying to get the timing done nicely.

When you have your timing removed and you are changing your cam-seal and crank seal, your camshaft back plate is off of the vehicle..

There is a metal lip in the center of the backing plate that runs up the center and is aligned perfectly with the V-Groove on your Camshaft Cap that you align TDC. With the back plate off, take a paint marker and mark all the way up that groove all the way to the top of the plate. This will mark TDC on the back plate and make it more noticeable.

One the camshaft sprocket, its already removed too so just make a straight line from the little O Hole you align the grooves with all the way up (Even marking the groove the belt sits in and off the notch in the back.

Once everything is together, just align all the marks you made

[deadrx7conv]

Good point and good picture.

Every good mechanic owns a paint marker. From struts, to t-belts/chains, to drive shafts & axles,, to multiple things that require 'alignment'.
Paint marker if far superior over your 'memory' or how you 'thought' it went together. Using a paint marker is easier than trying to 'read' a manual on how 'anything' lines up.

[Mister_Perkins]

Originally Posted by deadrx7conv

Good point and good picture.

Every good mechanic owns a paint marker. From struts, to t-belts/chains, to drive shafts & axles,, to multiple things that require 'alignment'.
Paint marker if far superior over your 'memory' or how you 'thought' it went together. Using a paint marker is easier than trying to 'read' a manual on how 'anything' lines up.

yes sir!

Paint markers are also needed if you are removing a used belt so you can re-install it in the same exact spot. Forgot to add that into my post

[LynchburgCSI]

That's an EXCELLENT suggestion, gentlemen. Definitely takes out the guess work.

[Mr.Nutcase]

Where I find Paint marker?

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by Mr.Nutcase

Where I find Paint marker?

Arts and crafts stores like Michaels, AC Moore... Walmart.... even online.

[Mister_Perkins]

I got mine from the parts store when I got my cam / crank seal. Not all parts stores carry them though. Walmart will definitely have them. They run $3-$5.00

[fenixus]

ingenious idea

[SilverSoarer]

Liquid Paper works good for those who are ol' skool.

Can this be done for the V6 - ie. similar bump on the cover ?

[Mister_Perkins]

Originally Posted by SilverSoarer

Can this be done for the V6 - ie. similar bump on the cover ?

You should be able to do the same thing with marking the cover.. If the cam pulleys line up with the backing plate bump like the 5sfe, then it should work

[Eye8Pussies]

no real need on the v6- you can clearly see the alignment marks on the timing belt cover even after you get everything on


and old skool here...I use whiteout as well....mostly because that's what I usually have on hand

[Chris Crash]

I use whiteout as well. Best part is, after a few hundred/thousand miles, it wears itself off! So no mess for next time to confuse you.

[ajkalian]

Sharpie makes a nice Silver Metallic marker which works great on the black plastic, hoses etc. Here's a link at Amazon:

Amazon

Amazon

But the markers that Pick-N-Pull and others use are the Mighty Markers. Yea, I know it's a corny name. You can get them at Welding Supply stores or directly from Arro-Mark. I've got a PM-16 but you can get one of these and impress all of your friends.

http://www.arromark.com/products/pens/mm08.html


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