Timing belt replacement

BWELLS61

MEMBER
2003 KIA OPTIMA
2.4L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

Replacing all the timing components due to crank sensor and worn belt, when I released the hydraulic tension-er I noticed my timing marks are off on both cam sprockets and the crank. I believe there was slack on that side that I did not notice when I released the tension-er.
I took the new tension-er and timing belt back off.
My question is. To make sure I have everything lined back up like its supposed to be, do I now rotate my crank, clockwise of course, to get it back to TDC on compression stroke while turning both cams, clockwise wise with a wrench, while turning the crank to get all the timing marks back in line?

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Hello,

Move the crankshaft off of TDC about 10 degrees. Next line up the camshafts the way they are suppose to be, then rotate the crankshaft back to TDC and install the belt. the direction does not matter. This will lower all pistons in the bore a safe amount so you can turn the cams without damage.

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/kia/optima/2003

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Thursday, June 29th, 2017 AT 11:03 AM

BWELLS61

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks Ken, that worked.
I did find out a couple of things while doing this.
The crankshaft sensor on this model can be installed upside down where the reluctor ring will not pass thru the sensor and the cable for the crankshaft sensor is ran poorly causing the timing belt to rub the wires.
Anyway, thanks for the help
Bobby

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Sunday, July 16th, 2017 AT 3:29 PM

KEN L