Changed timing belt after head gasket, worried timing is off

[Corey87ACC]

Hi 3geez,
I bought a 3rd gen accord with a blown head gasket. I pulled the engine, took off the head and sent it to a machine shop. When I got a new gasket and put the head back on after I get it back, I noticed the machine shop had adjusted the camshaft. I decided to go ahead and replace the timing belt, but I could not find a timing mark anywhere besides the flywheel (couldn't find the spot on the block where the lines are to match it, though). So, I took some weed-eater string and felt out piston #1 to feel for TDC; however, it seems there are a few degrees when turning the crankshaft that it stays at the very top. So my concern is, even though I have the block at top dead center, and the camshaft lines lined up on the head, how do I know that it isn't off a tooth? What do you guys think? I'm quite concerned about starting it for the first time as I don't want to risk damage.

[Corey87ACC]

Also, have a picture of the car

[Corey87ACC]

[Oldblueaccord]

The part of the block with the ID pad in your picture there is a window you look thru to see the marks.

The flywheel will have a T on it and then a red mark little past. T is top dead center TDC.

Thats where you look to line it up.

The cam will have an UP writtin on it and two hash marks that line up with the plane of the head.

[Griff]

If the timing is off only a tooth I believe you won't have a piston/valve collision; the car, however, would not run as well.

I made a video showing where you line the fly wheel up with the point for those who are more visually inclined. As blue said, it's the window above the engine ID number.



Also, for those who are trying to set the top end at TDC with the engine in the car, an easy way to make sure the cam pulley is correctly lined up is to use a phone camera. You hold the phone right in front of the pulley as shown here:


Then you turn the cam pulley until the horizontal marks on both ends of the pulley are leveled with the head side of the head/valve cover mating surface.

[Corey87ACC]

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate the video as well. I lined up my T mark on my flywheel with the block and found that I was, indeed, off by one tooth.

[Corey87ACC]

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate the video as well. I lined up my T mark on my flywheel with the block and found that I was, indeed, off by one tooth.
One last question, would you mind sending me a picture of where these vacuums are supposed to go?

[Corey87ACC]

Nevermind, I solved the vacuum issue and feel like the dumbass. The last thing remaining is... where the hell does this go

[conozo]

I think that's a breather vent for either the cruise control or power steering reservoir. It should point straight down toward the ground i believe.