During a timing belt replacement, can the crankshaft be turned over by hand if the valves are hitting the pistons? i read 'excessive resistance' quite a few times... but mine has a little resistance at a certain point in the turn, but i can always get through it... So I'm not sure if it's just paranoia or if something is a little off.
I don't want to fire it up until I'm sure I won't fubar the engine.
Thanks,
M

 

Are the plugs still in? Is the T-belt actually on? You shouldn't really have to turn the crank because you should have the whole engine on TDC BEFORE taking the t-belt off.

 

yes of course the tb is on. the FSM says to turn the crank twice WITH the new belt on to make sure the pistons dont hit the valves. during the rotation there are spots where its harder to turn the crankshaft over, but at no point does it halt, or become jammed. i think it is fine - i just wanted to confirm that i wouldnt destroy my engine... thass all.

 

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sounds to me like it's just some resistance of the valves opening against the cam...
if you had valves on pistons, you'd hear a metallic clank or a definite stop when turning the crank..

As Jeff said, make sure all the plugs are out too. it'll make turning the engine much easier.

 

matt - thanks, that's exactly what I was wondering. I tried with plugs in and out and it was not too great a difference... certainly nothing to convince me. now i guess i'll go turn the key. wish me luck.
thanks jeff and matt
M

 

Good Luck....