Timing Belt 180 off?

XTERRA55

MEMBER
2004 NISSAN XTERRA
3.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

I put crankshaft at 0 degrees, but forgot to align to cylinder one, then moved the camshaft manually to the corresponding marks. Worried it is off (at exhaust phase vs compression phase). Can I correct by moving the camshafts back?

Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 AT 7:15 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Hi,

I'm not sure I follow. Did you have the timing marks aligned? As far as timing is concerned, it is very important to get it right on this. It is an interference engine. I wouldn't suggest turning the cam in reverse.

Take a look at the two pics below. Is this where the timing marks were located?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 AT 9:00 PM

XTERRA55

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes, I aligned the markings of the belt, and pully marks and back part of the cover. This was done after the fact. I believe the belt was removed at TDC that didn't correspond to Cylinder 1 compression.

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Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 AT 9:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Hi,

If you have the engine at TDC and align the timing marks on the camshafts, it should be fine. The part that is confusing me is the idea that the pulley can be 180 degrees out. It should only fit one way. When it's at TDC, cylinder 1 valves should be the furthest away from opening. See if that is the case.

Let me know. Also, if possible, take a few pics and upload them for me to see.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 AT 1:25 PM