Cams and TDC
 

I am trying to locate the position of the cams when crank is at TDC. The manual I have is for 2nd Gen probes and MX-6's. That book shows the cam sprockets with a mark on either one that should be parallel to the head surface when the crank is @ TDC. The problem is, my sprockets have several marks on them. There are 2 slash type marks on both and a dimple type mark on both. Does anyone know how I am supposed to line the cams up. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Come on guys, help me out here. All I need to know is how to line up the cams at TDC. I know someone out there with a manual can help
Thanks in advance.

You don't mention if you have the F-series 1.8L/2.0L or the Z-series 1.6L. On the F-series engine, the cam sprockets each have an "I" and an "E" imprinted on the spokes with a notch in the outer edge of the sprocket next to each letter. The crankshaft has a notch and a little pointer in the block directly above the crank.

The No. 1 cylinder is at TDC when the notch in the crank is facing straight up and aligned with the pointer, the notch next to the "I" on the intake cam is parallel to the head surface pointing to the right, and the "E" on the exhaust cam is parallel to the head pointed to the left. In other words, the "I" and "E" cam sprocket notches should be lined up next to one another.

I'm not sure if this method works with the Z-series engines; I've stored away the Z-series section of my manual to save space. If you need me to check it, reply to this message and I'll dig it up. :)

IMPORTANT!! One more thing...
 

OK, I didn't realize you were the same person who just had the problem with installing the J-spec cam. I answered the TDC question without looking at your username...

I thought of another thing that may have caused your problem. When you replaced the intake cam, you may have reinstalled the pulley wrong. Both cams use identical pulleys, but there are 2 positions for the cam's dowel pin on each pulley- a position for the intake cam, and a different one for the exhaust cam. If you look at the pulley, the slots for the dowels form a "V" shape. If you hold the pulley so the open end of the "V" is facing upwards, the intake cam's dowel pin goes in the RIGHT side of the "V". The exhaust dowel pin goes in the LEFT side.

Hope this helps! :D

Thankx
 

I just want to say thanks carguycw. Your info saved me. I was just about to go steal a peak in the Haynes manual up at the autoparts house. I really appreciate the help. Thanks again.
I am usually pretty handy with engines, but when the cam spun after taking the belt off, I wasn't prepared with the manual and all so I felt like an idiot. Anyway. now I will be totally prepared when I drop the exhaust cam in next week. Thanks again.