ok so i put my new timing belt and tensioner on, i know the cams are all lined up but when i went to start ,it back fired a few times and didnt start, i also lined up the line on the underdrive pulley with the marking on the engine but i am not sure if it was top dead center... so my question is does it have to be at top dead center and if so how can i tell if it is???? thanks alot.

 

bump!

 

anyone? i really need this info

 

As long as the mark on the pulley (white, I believe) is aligned with the indicator and the cams in TDC, it should be fine. Make sure the belt is fully tensioned and then checked for alignment again.

 

A good rule of thumb after installing the timing belt is to turn the engine over by hand a few times to make sure your marks are lined up. I'd check your marks again.