What is a camshaft alignment?
A Basic Overview of Cam Timing Advancing or retarding the cam pushes the centerline of the camshaft to one side or the other of the crankshaft centerline. This changes the Timing of the valve opening and closing events, in relation to the position of the piston in the cylinder.
What are two possible reasons why the camshaft would not line up as detailed in the service manual?
The reason why horizontal lines on cam gears not lining up, is because there is no tension on the belt when cams are resting (engine turned off). To confirm that your timing belt is on correctly, just take (2) 14mm wrenches and apply 5-10 lbs of load on each cam gear.
Can a crankshaft be turned to spin the cam shaft?
If the crankshaft is turned to put the timing mark 90* before top dead center, all 4 pistons will be half way down their bores and you can spin the camshaft with no chance of a piston/valve collision. You need a good manual.
Can you rotate the cam shaft on an OHC engine?
Rotating the camshaft on an OHC engine is easy to do when your pulling the head. And even just changing the chain. If the crankshaft is turned to put the timing mark 90* before top dead center, all 4 pistons will be half way down their bores and you can spin the camshaft with no chance of a piston/valve collision.
What happens when you turn the camshaft wheel?
Turn the camshaft wheel until you see the V-shaped timing mark at the top. If these timing marks are not aligned properly during assembly, the camshaft will be out of phase with the crankshaft and the valves may be damaged if they strike the pistons.
Can a camshaft be turned without a belt?
However, both camshafts need to be lined up with the timing marks as well as the crankshaft turned to TDC before you install the belt to keep everything lined up correctly. My belt guide also shows this not to be an interference engine, so the cam shafts and crankshafts can be turned independently without causing damage.