Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Always refer to the latest official Autodata technical publication for your exact vehicle, as engine designs and specifications evolve. The author is not responsible for any damage incurred during repair procedures.
The engine will start—poorly. It will have low power, rough idle, and potentially a check engine light for cam/crank correlation (P0016, P0017). In an interference engine, being just one tooth off can cause valve contact at high RPM. autodata 348 top
Imagine you have removed the timing belt. You then rotate the camshafts to align their marks. Without the crankshaft locked at “top,” you have no reference. The crank may drift due to internal spring pressure from the piston rings. When you install the new belt and release the tensioner, you might be one or two teeth out of phase. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes
