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[Andy B]

,,,

(Yes, for the purists, you'll likely get it within 2 teeth out ....

I don't see how you can't get it to within 'something like' by ''rack o'th'eye'' ............... why wouldn't you be able to get it better than 2 teeth out? 

[car5car]

You scared me guys! I started engine and got 301 code. Checked compression in 1st cyl, it was Ok!!!

[feeutfo]

Miss fire cylinder 1..?

[car5car]

Miss fire cylinder 1..?

Yes.
It was cracked spark plug, I replaced it already.

[TheBoy]

,,,

(Yes, for the purists, you'll likely get it within 2 teeth out ....

I don't see how you can't get it to within 'something like' by ''rack o'th'eye'' ............... why wouldn't you be able to get it better than 2 teeth out? 

Because all the small errors and intolerances add up to larger ones. And we've all seen how far out a perfectly timed belt can be out after one revolution of crank (which is why we always rotate it twice).

[Andy B]

,,,

(Yes, for the purists, you'll likely get it within 2 teeth out ....

I don't see how you can't get it to within 'something like' by ''rack o'th'eye'' ............... why wouldn't you be able to get it better than 2 teeth out? 

Because all the small errors and intolerances add up to larger ones. And we've all seen how far out a perfectly timed belt can be out after one revolution of crank (which is why we always rotate it twice).

Agreed! But that aint two teeth out   

[TheBoy]

,,,

(Yes, for the purists, you'll likely get it within 2 teeth out ....

I don't see how you can't get it to within 'something like' by ''rack o'th'eye'' ............... why wouldn't you be able to get it better than 2 teeth out? 

Because all the small errors and intolerances add up to larger ones. And we've all seen how far out a perfectly timed belt can be out after one revolution of crank (which is why we always rotate it twice).

Agreed! But that aint two teeth out   

OOF see an awful lot that are, either with history unknown, or from people who thought they could do it without the correct kit

[Andy B]

,,,

(Yes, for the purists, you'll likely get it within 2 teeth out ....

I don't see how you can't get it to within 'something like' by ''rack o'th'eye'' ............... why wouldn't you be able to get it better than 2 teeth out? 

Because all the small errors and intolerances add up to larger ones. And we've all seen how far out a perfectly timed belt can be out after one revolution of crank (which is why we always rotate it twice).

Agreed! But that aint two teeth out   

OOF see an awful lot that are, either with history unknown, or from people who thought they could do it without the correct kit

If I still have my Omega in a few years/thousand miles I'll try it without the kit & see how close/far out I am   

[TheBoy]

,,,

(Yes, for the purists, you'll likely get it within 2 teeth out ....

I don't see how you can't get it to within 'something like' by ''rack o'th'eye'' ............... why wouldn't you be able to get it better than 2 teeth out? 

Because all the small errors and intolerances add up to larger ones. And we've all seen how far out a perfectly timed belt can be out after one revolution of crank (which is why we always rotate it twice).

Agreed! But that aint two teeth out   

OOF see an awful lot that are, either with history unknown, or from people who thought they could do it without the correct kit

If I still have my Omega in a few years/thousand miles I'll try it without the kit & see how close/far out I am   

You know as well as I do, it is, at best, guesswork.

We should not, and can not, recommend people attempt without the locking/timing kit.

[Andy B]

....
You know as well as I do, it is, at best, guesswork.
 .....

I know! I said that in my initial answer to the question. But let's get real, the world won't end if you use a bit of savvy & use the timing marks GM provided. 

[TheBoy]

....
You know as well as I do, it is, at best, guesswork.
 .....

I know! I said that in my initial answer to the question. But let's get real, the world won't end if you use a bit of savvy & use the timing marks GM provided. 

The world won't end if you bend valves. But its still a pain

We see so many that are 2 teeth out, that haven't been done properly. And we know that 3 teeth out is likely to result in valve damage.

[Marks DTM Calib]

The key reason why need the kit is so you can set the bank timing correctly, with out you have a very high risk of the banks running with different timing.

Its the old proverb, if your going to do a job, do it right.

Other engine types don't need this setup e.g. the 4 pots.

[car5car]

Are rear cover marks in wrong places? Are they different from gauge marks? It is hard to believe that manufacturer (Opel, not GM) is so stupid to stamp marks in wrong places.
3.2 engines in Cadillac CTS look exactly like 3.0, so they have the same rear covers. What about 3.6 engines? Are they different?

[Nick W]

They are not wrong, just not precise enough to do the job accurately. This should be obvious from the width of the marks on the covers, and that the marks are on the fronts of the pulleys about an inch away. It is really unlikely you'll align all 4cams accurately using these marks. You should consider them as for basic assembly only.

Don't forget that you will need to turn the crank through 2 revolutions and readjust everything untill all 5 marks align
My engine was a tooth retarded on all 4cams, and the tensioner was  at the limit of it's travel. There were Tippex marks everywhere which is the usual method for doing cambelts without locking tools. It ran well before, but once it was timed correctly I gained 3MPG, a smoother and quieter engine and much better throttle response. I checked the timing when I replaced the damaged belt cover 15000 miles later and everything was still spot-on.

Doing the job without the tools is nothing more than a best guess, and that isn't good enough.

[Andy B]

Are rear cover marks in wrong places? Are they different from gauge marks? It is hard to believe that manufacturer (Opel, not GM) is so stupid to stamp marks in wrong places.

Opel is just another make within General Motors   

3.2 engines in Cadillac CTS look exactly like 3.0, so they have the same rear covers. What about 3.6 engines? Are they different?

We don't get a 3.6 here