so i set the block at tdc and the cam to the tdc mark.
#1 cylinder closed.
after i put the belt on u know how u will have to kinda turn the crank a bit so it tightens up the belt on teh front b4 u can tighten teh tenstioner...but the crank just moves too much than teh mark is always off after i turn it.
whay sugg.?

 

im not sure what motor u have but on a d-series then i always line up the crank to the red line buy the time u get the belt on it lines up to tdc perfect.

 

hmm, I've had to put on my timing belt about 5 times now and I have yet to realize that you must turn it before you tighten the tentioner, good stuff to know.

 

I'll do one or the other next time, it's pretty good now, hasn't broken and I've been revving it up alot.

 

I'm not sure I understand the question and it has been awhile since I changed mine, but my guess is that it wouldn't matter a whole lot. If you set both the crank pulley and the cam gear to TDC, and then put the belt on, the teeth should all be in the correct postions. Unless you're worried that the belt is too loose after you adjust and tighten the tensioner? Mine lossened up a little, but it's not so bad that it's going to jump a tooth.

 

now i know how. u set the crank at #1 tdc, and set the cam spocket at #1 tdc THEN kinda move the spocket so the "up" mark point directly to the top ( to compansat the movement). put teh belt on , turn the crank, belt tighten up and now everything lines up correctly.

 

same here