Harmonic balancer not lined up

[98Explorer2]

OK, so I pulled the engine and replaced the timing set... all is fine on that end. I got the engine back into the car and the belt is off by one rib on the harmonic balancer. I suspect that the new timing cover seal didn't get pressed in far enough or 2) the harmonic balancer needs to slide on a bit further. Is there anyway to remedy this situation? I figured just tightening the bolt a little and seeing if the harmonic balancer would slide on further... really don't want to have to pull the engine back out

When I run the engine it starts fine, but has a loud clank sound every once in a while... I know the timing is in time cause I set it using the tools, and cranked it manually multiple times to check it all out... I don't think the clank is coming from the engine itself but rather the pulley system. I saw a piece of the belt fly out, so thats my reasoning... also, the belt wants to ride up on the harmonic balancer a bit.

 

[swetrid]

It is possible that you installed lower timing chain gear backwards. This can cause the timing chain to break. I would definiely double ck installation.

 

[98Explorer2]

I checked that twice, and im good on that.. I started thinking about it and I used the crankshaft holding tool to torque the harmonic balancer on.. I think it prevented it from sliding on the additional 1/8th of an inch.. I am going ot remove the bolt and re-torque it tonight.

 

[98Explorer2]

uh oh, starting to think the crank sprocket is flipped.. I plan on pulling the lower timing cover to check the sprocket. If I flip this, do I have to re-time both heads? Can I mark the jackshaft sprocket and line it back up accordingly? The lower crank sprocket is keyed, so there is no problem there, I think my main issue is making sure the jackshaft sprocket gets lined back up where it was. Correct?

If I pull the passanger side valve cover, install the cam holding tool, will it hold the driver side cam in place as well?

 

[98Explorer2]

and it was on backwards... how embarassing... at least its right now... thanks again swetrid

I set the timing with the engine in the car... basically I set the passanger side camshaft to where it needed to be, tightened the jackshaft, then placed the harmonic balancer holder in place.. then I re-did the timing on the driver side... Keep in mind the passanger side camshaft was in time to begin with since the sprocket at the rear of the motor never came out... pretty simple really...

anyhow, should have it running tomorrow

 

[swetrid]

and it was on backwards... how embarassing... at least its right now... thanks again swetrid

I set the timing with the engine in the car... basically I set the passanger side camshaft to where it needed to be, tightened the jackshaft, then placed the harmonic balancer holder in place.. then I re-did the timing on the driver side... Keep in mind the passanger side camshaft was in time to begin with since the sprocket at the rear of the motor never came out... pretty simple really...

anyhow, should have it running tomorrow

No problem, seen a couple of guys do it at the dealership.

 

[2000StreetRod]

timing concern

I'm a little concerned about how you timed the camshaft after reinstalling the crankshaft gear correctly. It sounds like you used the timing tool set to lock the passenger camshaft in place but did not loosen the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt because the jackshaft front sprocket retaining bolt was loose. Then you tightened the jackshaft front sprocket retaining bolt after reversing the crankshaft sprocket and installing the chain and assuming that the crankshaft was at TDC for #1 piston. The notch on the crankshaft sprocket relative to the teeth may not be symmetrical. If so, the crankshaft would not have been at TDC when the crankshaft gear was incorrectly installed. I suggest that you check the timing after installing the harmonic balancer before starting the engine.

 

[98Explorer2]

I got it right.. I basically made sure the slot in the passanger side cam was correct (smaller portion to the bottom, locked the passanger side cam in place... torqued the jackshaft sprocket.. from here I locked down the harmonic balancer, went to the driver side head, loosened the sprocket bolt so it could free-spin, rotated teh camshaft accordingly to get it in time, tightened the sprocket bolt and here we are...

I've already ran/drove the car, feels fine. My only issue is that it has a rough idle... i replaced the lower and upper intake manifold gaskets and checked for vacuum leaks. Anyone have suggestions?