1987 Nissan Hardbody timing problem

OUTTOLUNCH3484

MEMBER
1987 NISSAN HARDBODY
V6
2WD
200 MILES

I just replaced a stud for the timing tension and put the new timing belt on and lined up all the marks and had Number 1 at TDC. And I was wondering how do you know if the valves are right for the cam. Setting. And the truck pops after turning a few times but does not start. Could I have missed the TDC and am on a stroke where the valves are open. And if so what do I do to change the valves to the right setting. It started just the tensioner stud broke and now wont run at all. Plus the cam has no mark on the case and I am just guessing it is in the right position plus the book states it is in this area. So I think its right. Would there be some other reason like a bent valve causing it not to start. I don't know how long it ran after the stud broke and could have bent a valve but sounds like it has compression and not just blowing air. Please help.

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

On most old Nissan V-6's, the timing belt will have three lines printed on the non-cogged side of the new belt. Two lines are lined up the cams and the other is for the crank gear. The cam gear marks should be pointed straight up at TDC. You may have to try lining everything up a couple of times between the belt and the gears, but the belt will only go on one way where the lines will even be close to matching the marks on the gears. What you are trying to do is to get the correct number of cogs of the belt between the marks. Hope that helps. Alot of the V-6's of that era were non-interference engines, but I'd check to make sure and turn the engine by hand first dotted line should be on the passenger side cam shaft. Solid lines are crank shaft and diver side cam shaft. See pic

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