Mr. Ben

I am finishing up a timing belt and turbo replacement on my 5000, and I'm having issues getting it to run properly. I noticed when taking off the old timing belt that the timing was off by three notches on the cam sprocket (if the timing belt moves in a clockward direction facing it from standing in front of the car, then the cam was behind - I'm not sure which way it spins). I set the timing correctly for the new belt, but it won't start. It starts fine only at the old position and one notch closer to the "correct" position.

I'm clueless why it would be this way. Any ideas?

Also, it's making a loud clicking noise (like sticking lifters) when it does run - which I'm concerned about.

Will Ng

Someone may have changed the distributor position to make the car run as compensation for the timing belt being off.
When replacing a timing belt, make sure cam, crankshaft and distributor position are correct.

Mr. Ben

Looks like I'll have to consult the Bentley manual on how to check this.

Will Ng

Timing as in making sure it's also at TDC when the cam and crank are.

Mr. Ben

The rotor lines up perfectly with the mark on the housing at cylinder #1, when I have the timing correct, but it still won't start. It turns over, but just won't catch. Anyway, I don't think the distributer can be adjusted on this engine (MC).

Does anyone else have any ideas on why it won't start? Will it be ok if I run it with the timing off? Any help is greatly appreciated.

tonyj

You really should try to figure out what is causing it to act that way.

Did you say it runs fine otherwise? If not check to see if any of the fuses along the side of the relay box are bad (engine related).