why cant you move the cylinder head to tdc after it has been installed on the block? I ask because i accidentally installed mine while it was not in the correct position. now, i have to remove the head again to put it to tdc. why cant i just move the crankshaft so the pistons are mid way in the cylinders and then crank on the campulley until it is at tdc(with the timing belt off of corse), then move the crankshaft to tdc and install the timing belt? or is this possible. i dont want to have to take the whole engine back apart and have to buy a new head gasket because i was working on the car past the point of fatigue.

 

That's possible as long as you're careful about which way you do it. Turn the crank AWAY from TDC, even if that's backwards. You don't want to move it through the position where #2 & 3 are TDC. Now all 4 pistons are mid-stroke. You can turn the cam any way you want.

Then move the crank directly to TDC, making sure you don't turn it thru the other's TDC position.

 

thanks a million. i was dreading going out to the garage today because i thought i was going to have to tear everything back down. ill let you know how everything turns out

 

just take cam(s) out then put crank on tdc then instal cams back on position with marks lineup
and put timing belt

 

ok, ive got my engine back together but now i hear a horrible ticking noise. i had a bit of an exhaust leak and think im missing and exhaust gasket(dont ask) but now i hear a really bad exhaust leak(no big deal) and what sounds like lifter ticking. i cant tell for sure where it is coming from, but i can smell oil. the temp guage doesnt read hot, but it seems to get hotter quicker than beforre i did my repairs(could be my imagination though). any advice?