Some Stupid question about Timing Belt

I'm reading some manual about replacing timing belt. I can't
understand
why engine has to be on TDC for number 1 cylinder before removing time
belt.

Can you set the timing mark on camshaft and crankshaft sprocket timing
marks
independently? Here is what I'm saying. After you removed timing belt
(does not
matter what cylinder an engine is on), you manually turn the
camshaft to the timing mark and you also manually turn the crankshaft
sproket
manually to the timing mark then you insert the timing belt. I'm
reading some
extra autorepair manual but I can't figure out why camshaft has to be
all the time turn by
timing belt. Is there something wrong if camshaft is manually turn?

 

Think of one valve being open as you crank the crank around, the piston may
hit it.

What I do on timing belts (if it's a PITA to move the crank, or I'm feeling
lazy) is to mark all the pullies and pelts with a paint pen, remove the belt
and transfer the marks to the new belt the reinstall the belt to the marks
on the pulley. I even do this when I have put the engine to TDC for a double
check on my marks. Since I've started doing this I've never had a belt off a
tooth.



--
Stephen W. Hansen
ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
ASE Automobile Advanced Engine Performance
ASE Undercar Specialist

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troubleshooting/l/bl_obd_main.htm
http://www.troublecodes.net/technical/

 

For starters (ha ha), the camshaft turns once for every two turns of the
crank... if you put it back with crank 180 degrees out of sync, it ain't
gonna run.

 

your'e kidding right?? If the crank and cam are set to the marks
there is no problem, by lining up the marks the crank can't be 180
out.
sometimes i set them on number 4 up just to confuse guys in the
shop that walk by.
If you know what you are doing it's not a problem,,, and i never
mark belts or pulleys. the timing marks are already there.
I'm and ASE master tech and a Honda Platinum level tech.
Chip

 

And I have a better grammar checker, and my dog can beat up your dog.

Wanna whip them out now?