Rep Power: 268

I'm using a Hanes, offical Honda manual, and the DIY on this forum, but I still don't get it.

I have the new T belt on, and I'm at the point where I have to install the Crank pulley. My camshaft and drive pulley are at TDC and I've cranked the engine 6 times manually, so all is good. Now there are 4 colored marks on the the crank pulley, the white one being TDC. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't see the point of a TDC mark on the crank pulley other than as a reference for where the drive pulley is located, since you can't see it with the crank pulley on.

Okay, if that's the case, now that I'm installing the crank pulley I need to:

1. Make sure that the cam (TDC) is not upset while installing bolt.
2. Somehow, through a miracle, align the white mark on the crank pulley with the lower cover TDC mark, and at the same time make sure 1 is true.

But my problem is that the crank pulley moves too easily; when I tighten the crank bolt the pulley moves and disaligns with the lower cover white TDC mark. Could it be that the additional 3 colored notches, other than white, on the crank pulley are all TDC reference marks for the purpose of error?

 
Rep Power: 268

I was just thinking that If what I said is true about the markings, that they are simply a reference point for the drive pulley and serve no other function, then I could simply install the crank pulley to spec and not care what direction the marks are. I would keep the cam pulley TDC untouched. Then I would make a mark under the lower cover TDC mark, on the crank pulley. Then I will crank the engine 6-7 times, and use the new mark as a reference.

Or am I missing something?

 
Rep Power: 251

you need a pulley holder to hold the crankshaft in place as you tighten the pulley bolt. Otherwise yeah the pulley is going to move when your try to tighten the bolt therefore causing it to be out of TDC. get the tool.

 
Rep Power: 268

Oh I know, but it's just not that precise a tool. So to simplify the question, does it matter if you don't get it perfectly on the white TDC mark? The crank pulley has no teach on it, so I doubt it matters how it's positioned.

 
Rep Power: 251

the crank pulley has 4 marks the white one is TDC it needs to be aligned with the pointers on the oil pump. its a pretty precise tool. just hold it in their or wedge it somewhere if you have to then tighten the bolt with a torque wrench and i believe a 19mm socket. then turn the wrench an additional 90 degrees. It needs to line up at TDC otherwise timing will be off. It does matter how its positioned.

The camshaft pulley also needs to be facing up. The word "UP" is facing up while the TDC marks are in line with the top edge of the head.

 
Rep Power: 425

the pulley is keyed to the crankshaft. Stick the key in the keyway and then put the pulley on. then it wont move.
Without the key, you're not gonna go anywhere, cuz the crank will turn and the pulley wont.

 
Rep Power: 251

listen to boilermaker he knows his ****. yes so you need that key in order to put your pulley on and tighten it. It does matter about the marks... i know i stress that but it does matter, otherwise timing will be off and that is bad. After that everything should be easy sailing for you.

 
Rep Power: 268

Thanks for the replies! Now you guys ARE talking about a special Honda pulley key right? I thought the manuals were incomplete or something, but the key is the key. Do they always stock em at Honda? And how much do they run?

Or, wait a second, maybe the key was already in there and I lost it when I pulled off the pulley? Okay, I just answered my own question. You're right Boilermaker, the pulley wouldn't have turned!

 
Rep Power: 268

Found it, yay!

 
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I have a Question:

TDC is set for the crank - lined up the line (on the sprocket) to the arrow (on the block).

But I am unable to turn the cam where the "UP" is up. It is down at this time. I am unable to turn the cam (sprocket). Am I missing something?

Can I but the belt back on and turn it to where the "UP" is up and then remove the belt and reset the crank back to TDC?

DO I really need to remove the spark plugs? The Helms does not say to....?

Thank you for your help.

 
Rep Power: 0

I was thinking:

When the "UP" is down that means 4 is TDC, right? Is could I go off that? Can I put the crank pulley back on and line up the fourth mark to make TDC line up with the cam 4 TDC? I am not using the belt bring this.

thank you.