setting timing on '95 mx3 1.6L

[rlryder21]

Hi. New to the forum. I'm trying to set timing on 1.6 DOHC. The tech manual calls to remove water pump and crank pulleys as well as timing belt cover. I'm just doing a head job and since the belt is good condition am trying to set crank position w/o removing these. Is there a way to set the pulley boss timing straight up as called for w/o removing pulley and timing cover? Any ideas or help is appreciated!

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[hixx]

There should be a notch on the crank pulley to line up with the T on the lower timing cover. Another way would be a pen light and try to line up the crank timing pulley notch to the oil pump mark.

[rlryder21]

Thanks. Yeah I tried as best as possible to time the crank by the timing belt cover notches. The hard part was setting the cams because the valve springs were fighting their alignment. Everything finally looked good so I rebuilt everything and cranked it. Only 30psi across all cylinders. (calls for 180 standard, 142 min). I'm guessing the timing is off?? so have to tear it down and try again.

[hixx]

They were bad about the front oil pump seal leaking anyway so it would be best to pull it all the way down. If it blew a head gasket it would also behoove you to get a really good look at the waterpump so it does'nt leak and destroy your new head gasket which could cost you down the road. CYA (cover your ass)

[rlryder21]

thanks for the advice so far... but still have issues. I pulled the timing covers, crank boss, water pump pulley, etc. Water pump and front seal look good, no signs of wear or leak so going to leave alone for time being. I set timing dead on according to tech manual but when I rebuilt and cranked it only have 60, 45, 30, 40 psi, respectively. What the heck is going on?? was I given a bad valve job? could the hydraulic lifters (HLA) be messed up?? any advice is very well appreciated.