Quickest Way To Set Up Cam Timing

[deprivd]

I read through the procedure on this forum for setting the timing on a 3.4 L DOHC. very informative. But, if I am not trying to tweak anything but get the setting as close back to stock as possible, is there a way to do this without having to remove the valve covers? Can I use the paint marks on the cam cogs?

The timing belt shredded and I am trying to get the car back on the road as quick as possible. The car isn't worth a whole lot,to me anyway, it is a 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 4 door, with 130,000 miles that I picked up cheap to drive back and forth to work so I don't rack up the miles on my truck. It has done well for the past year until this. If I have to get into the engine more to do the timing belt, I am seriously think of getting rid of the car as is. My guess is that as soon as I get this fixed, the next thing will break on it.

[SappySE107]

There is no other way to do the timing other than pulling the plenum and valve covers. Do not trust any paint marks unless you made them. Even then I don't trust paint marks as its not going to be easy to line them up in relation. Sounds like you should get rid of the car and get a pushrod instead for daily use. The DOHC motor is best owned by enthusiasts and/or mechanics.

I wouldn't say the next thing is going to break simply because the timing belt went out. How many miles were onthe belt? Did you ever check its condition while it was working?

[deprivd]

To the best of my knowledge the timing belt was never replaced, so I assume it had 130,000 miles on it. I never even thought about the timing belt, I work mainly with Diesels on a daily basis that are gear driven (no chains or belts).

The reason for the comment "the next thing to break" is that over the last couple of weeks minor things have been breaking before this. I may have to look into seeing what I can get for it.

Thanks.

[SappySE107]

Well, 130k is a lot of miles on the belt. Most likely it was changed around 60k unless you have owned it since then even. Its best to check them every oil change, or at LEAST ever 10k miles. For performance, its best to change it or reset the timing every 20k. CHange it ever 30k to be extra safe if you can do it yourself and afford it. 60k change intervals are the longest I would go. Others have lost a belt in 40k...so use a quality belt, change the pullies, and in your case, replace the tensioner as well. Tensioner should be changed every 120k if not every 60k. Idler pullies every time you change the belt to be safe.

Are you on w-body.com? They are good for the other stuff on the car as well as some of our other sections. I have a 95 convertible here:P