Update...And then GOD (or maybe it was Jason!) said let there be Engine Timing...She started and ran better than ever!!
Jason you were 100% correct about the 1.5 turns being sufficient...So here is the summery of the last thing that I did that reestablished timing:
1- With the timing belt removed, I turned the Crankshaft sprocket to the TDC position (The halfmoon cutout on the crankshaft sprocket was at 3 O'clock matching with the timing hatch mark on the oil pump cover
2- I turned the RH Cam (Passenger side) at least 9 times (it really was not necessary, but I wanted to be sure), then I turned it more until the Cam pulley sprung back to 12 O'clock (using the Timing reference mark on the Head...10 O'clock using a real O' clock), on its own.
3- I turned the LH Cam (driver side) at least 9 times (it really was not necessary, but I wanted to be sure), Then I turned it more until it sprung back to 9 O'clock on its own (using the Timing reference mark on the Head), on its own, then I turned it 90 degrees clockwise until the timing mark on the Cam pulley as aligned with the timing mark on the engine at 12 O'clock (using the Timing reference mark on the Head...2 O'clock using a real O' clock). I let go of the ratchet and the Cam stayed in the same spot...It did not try to spring
4- I aligned the two lines on the belt with the timing mark on the Cam Pulleys and made sure they were still aligned with the timing marks on the engine
5- I aligned the double line (my belt had a double line instead of a dotted line) with the timing mark (NOT the TDC notch) that has a green dot of paint on the sprocket itself at roughly 9 O'clock 180 degree opposite of the TDC notch
6- I took a final look at all the marks and made sure everything was still aligned
7- I installed the tensioner, and checked all my marks again
8- I pulled the tensioner pin and made sure everything was still aligned
9- I turned the Crankshaft 1.5 turns...NOT 2 TURNS as the two videos and the manual say...THANK YOU JASON for pointing that out. All timing marks on the two Cams and the Sprocket aligned perfectly every 1.5 turns...Note: The lines on the belt no longer lined up with anything...Which is the way it is supposed to be. The marks on the belt are only needed when you install the belt and before you turn the Crankshaft
10- I put the engine back together, all the pulleys, accessory belt radiator fan...etc. I did not put coolant in the radiator at this point. I wanted to make sure the engine was going to start... I didn't want to end up having to drain the coolant again in case the engine wouldn't start
11-I cranked the engine...It started for 2 seconds, then it immediately died. I tried again, and it started sounding like it was not going to start (but it did not backfire...It sounded the same as it did when it backfired last weekend...I was devastated. I got out of the VX and got down to my knees...You don't want to know what I said, or what emotions went through my soul!!
12- I then remembered one of the gentlemen who posted one of the replies, suggesting the hard start could be due to the fact that the engine had not been started in 2.5 months at the time when he posted his reply
13- I got back in the VX and turned the engine while pumping the gas peddle...And there she came roaring back...I sure missed that sweet sound of a well tuned engine!!
14 - I only let it run for no more than 10 seconds, then shut off, I filled up the radiator, cranked it back, and she started immediately and kept it running for about 10 minutes
15- I will be referring to this post 10 100K from now!
Guys, THANKS a MILLION to every single of you who came to my rescue, especially Jason and Lfen, and top those who showed support by following the this post. I would've NEVER figured it out without all the input you good folks provided me with.
Jason, I can't thank you enough for your last post, if it had not been for that last piece of info, I'd still be turning the Crankshaft trying to align everything after two turns.
The official documentation is definitely not totally accurate and very confusing; it was like the thing women say about "No means No, unless it means Yes".
In the end, I am very thankful for the experience and for getting to know a few great fellow VXers. I now feel comfortable that if my timing belt breaks I can establish engine timing with 100% confidence...The FIRST TRY.
The final advice I offer to anyone who is planning on changing their timing belt is:
1- Take your time and be 100 % sure your timing marks are aligned before you remove the old belt.
2- Redraw the two lines and the dotted line before you remove the belt. This way you can compare the old belt to the new one, and if for some reason you need to put the old belt back to double check your timing marks
3- A couple of gentlemen suggested to count the number of belt teeth between all the timing marks on the three pulleys...I did not do so, because it was too late...My belt was already removed when I realized that could've helped.
I hope this post helps someone else avoid having to go through the night mare I went through!
THANKS and GOD BLESS ALL of YOU
Last edited by TexasProton : 02/08/2014 at 02:09 PM
Ollie
2001 Proton Yellow # 795, Tampa, FL