Montero 1st Gen V6 timing help

[c.zhou57]

Hey folks, I need some help timing the engine after a t-belt change. My crank pulley does not seem to line up to the timing cover TDC "T" mark. Behind the cover, my marks are all lined up - crank sprocket and both cam gears from the dimples to the mark. But after slipping the cover on and pulley (without turning the engine) it appears the pulley is about 10 degrees off to the cover.

I got another cover and pulley from the junk yard to rule things out, but it is the same deal.

How can this be? The crank pulley is keyed to the shaft and only slips in one way. My marks on the crank sprocket line up, as are my cams. Yet the pulley and cover do not match.. I'm out of ideas besides an incorrect pulley.. but the junkyard one does the same and it's highly unlikely both of the pulleys are incorrect.

If I'm going to set ignition timing from the cover I would assume the marks need to be at TDC or else my reference is wrong. Right now it's about 10 degrees advanced (to the right) of the "T" mark.

Any advice or discussion is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Jeff V.]

If it helps, I had the same problem on my 92 Mighty Max. Same engine as yours. SOHC 12V V6. All the marks lined up on the cams, crank and various engine castings. But the crank pulley and plastic timing cover were off.

I set the timing according to the various alignment notches and ignored what the timing cover said. When I went to adjust the distributor, I ended up setting it for an indicated 15* BTDC, on the assumption that that would get me to a real world 5*. The truck runs fine. But I'd be open to suggestions on how to triple check everything.

 

[RyanY]

Check your crankshaft pulley for separation - most of them are two separate pieces with a rubber bonding holding them together. If the bonding fails the outer portion of the pulley could move and throw off your timing marks.

Does the FSM show a diagram of the timing marks?