I am in the middle of changing my timing belt, car is still on the original belt at 60k, so thought it was about time.

The timing marks on the original belt have all rubbed off, I wanted to set the timing marks correctly, lock the pulleys and then change the belt to save having to mess about later on.

However, if I set the left hand pulleys (while facing car) the right hand pulleys are alll off by half a tooth at least. When I set the right hand side the left side and crank sprocket are off.

Is this normal?

I've attached some pics to show how I've left it, thought it best to ask for advice here first.

 

Yes, happens quite often due to wear on the belt,manufacturing tolerances etc.
Even some types of new belts when fitted can be slightly off too.

Mick

 

Thanks Mick, am I ok to proceed by locking the pulleys now (with locking tool not mole grips)?

Or is it best to take belt the off, set the timing marks exactly and then install a new belt?

Is it ok to install a new belt with the pullies set as they are now?

Thanks and sorry if I'm being stupid.

 

Use the original marks line them up and put the belt on. Can't understand without being cheeky why the f**k people use markers when the manufacturers put marks on the pulleys to do the job in hand.