timing question

[kricket3000]

93 Civic D15B7

Just finished replacing the head gasket. Trying to set the timing belt and I can't seem to get it lined up correctly. I'm at least one tooth off every time. Is there enough adjustment in the distributor to make up for one tooth, or does it need to be exact?

When I jump the service plug to set the timing and move the distributer, it doesn't change. When I put the timing light on it, the marks will not stay within the beam of the light. It's not one side of the beam or the other. Sometimes the marks are there and sometimes they are not, but they never stay still they are always going around.

Starts and idles fine but as soon as I put it in gear and give it gas, it bogs out. I have to rev to 5k to move.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RHDism]

No..It will not time correctly with a tooth off.
Why are you not able to line it up right?
Line the marks up on the cam gear.
Pull the belt
crank the engine by hand
line the crank up
reintstall the belt.
Its a bizatch to turn the cam gear by hand. (dont even try it.you will break the bolt)

Hope that helps.

 

[kricket3000]

i line up my marks and when i go to put the belt on, the crank always turns a little, throwing it off one tooth

 

[RHDism]

In that case...patience is the key and frustration is your enemy.

 

[porkfried83]

Did you loosen up your timing belt tensioner?