C5 mk3 2.0 hdi cam belt won't line up properly.

[Peter.N.]

I'm just changing the belt on the silver estate - what a pig of a job! When I took the original belt off it looked as though it was a tooth out on the crank pulley but I went ahead and took it off, but it wasn't sitting where it was supposed to be, the crankshaft key should have been right in the middle of the slot in the pulley, but it wasn't it was right up one end.

I had to take the starter off to find the flywheel locking pin hole, when I did it didn't appear to have a hole, not one you could put a pin in anyway. I did find a slight depression that would lock it if you held a piece of wire in there it in there, I compared that with the crank pulley and it appeared to be at TDC, this morning it had moved but I got it back again and it corresponded to the marks I had put on the pulley.

I fitted the new belt - eventually but with the camshaft and the marks on the crank pulley aligned, when I try and fit the belt the teeth meet end on, if I move it half a tooth forward the belt goes on but the marks are out of line by about half a tooth. This must be how it was when I took it off. Unfortunately I didn't notice which direction it was out in. I can only advance or retard it by half a tooth, its been running fine half a tooth out all the while I have had it so it should be OK if I put it back together like that, the problem is I don't whether to have it advanced or retarded. Can anyone help.

Peter

[moizeau]

Sorry Peter I can't but this why I always mark the pulleys AND the old belt, mark the new belt using the old belt then if you're 1/2 a tooth out you know in which direction because of the marks. Bit late I realise.

[Rp0thejester]

Sounds like you had a brain fart moment which I'm sure is unlike you as you are very knowledgeable, may I suggest looking back at old photos and fingers crossed figure out unique wear marks on the pulleys and old belt to figure out where it should be.

[Peter.N.]

Thanks. Yes it was definitely because of the key position but I didn't check which way! I have done quite a number of Cit/Pug belts and I just usually mark the TDC point on the pulley, never had this problem before.



This is a very good tuitional video and looks dead easy, especially as both ends of the belt go behind the engine mount, but contrary to what he says you do have to take the engine mount of or you can't get to anything.

Peter

[Peter.N.]

Sorry about that I tried deleting it but it wouldn't.

[Rp0thejester]

That's cool, we all have wives who like to repeat themselves so I instantly ignored it without realising

[KennyW]

Peter,

Do you have a timing belt kit specific for the Citroen. When I did mine I removed the starter motor for better access as well to find the fly wheel timing hole.

I moved the crankshaft slowly towards TDC and the rod does go in at least 10mm. There is no leeway but when found you will know.

What engine type is your X7 ?

Kenny