91 vr4 timing belt question

i'm at the point where the crank pulley needs to come off in order to pull the remainder of the timing cover...

the vehicle is on a flat surface.. the rear wheels are chocked... front is sitting on two jack stands and a 3 ton jack with another jack holding the engine up (for removal of main mount)... vehicle is not in gear... timing is not at DTC... cams 1 and 2 are 29 teeth from lining up ... cams 3 and 4 are 28 teeth from lining up ... cam #3 and #4 (closest to the front bumper) are both off by one tooth ...

Question: Given the above set of circumstances, will using an impact gun to loosen the crank pulley turn the timing belt? .. obviously, i don't want to bump the engine and risk damaging anything on the valve train ... thanks

You will not damage anything, and yes you can use an impact. Get the FSM (D/L from here), and read up on doing the belt. (2-3 times) Get the jack holding the engine off the oil pan if that is where you have it. There are a few vids up on youtube to help. Stealth316.com is also you friend.

You have the correct mindset to do this successfully. I remember when I started pulling my engine apart, hours of googling and tens of posts. So you are on the right track. If it doesn't feel right stop and read. Ask questions. But ask us, don't ask your local mechanic like I did... jeez that never works out good with these cars. But as everyone has said before, you need to read the factory service manuals. Luckily, when I bought my first Stealth it came with one. I suggest printing the section on doing timing and bringing it with you. Get a 3 ring binder and just put every thing you up doing on the car in there. Print the sections as you go, trust me you will have a nice collection after a few years of ownership. Do things correct and use good quality parts. I seen one of your previous posts you said you ordered a cheap timing kit... Are you using a Gates or OEM belt? I made the mistake of trying to use a cheap ebay belt. I think it had an extra tooth or something no matter what I did I couldn't get the timing to set. If you can't get the timing correct, try doing it once with the old belt... If that works you need to get a better belt. Also how's your oil pressure? You should replace your oil pump while your in there. I know it's expensive but your lower end will thank you. :)

thanks for the advice, everyone. the manual isn't as helpful as youtube videos and advice on this board, and i doubt it addresses engines that have already skipped a tooth on two cams...

i just bumped the engine twice to pop the pulley bolt off, but the oil pan was still resting on a 2x4 with a jack underneath (slaps forehead)...

going to remove tensioner without pin.... compress it with c-clamps and check for leaks ... insert pin and reinstall if it's ok

this is your 3000gt vr4 from hell update ... got the timing belt off ... now i want to set the crankshaft timing..

question: if i just start turning the crankshaft to find tdc on cylinder 1 (compression stroke), will i bend any valves or will they clear? the cams are obviously misaligned with the crank...

i was able to download a shop manual, but it doesn't address this exact situation, where two cams are off a tooth when you take the timing belt off .. i took the front set of plugs out to reduce compression / resistance ...

does anyone have a link or detailed advice for this? i am determined to finish this up by monday, one way of another ... :)

If you cut the cams loose, the valve springs force them to a relaxed position where all the valves are closed. At that point you can turn the crankshaft at will without damaging anything. If you need to turn camshafts, set the crank 4 teeth back from TDC, (60 degrees). That will ensure all pistons are as far away as possible from TDC, and you can't hurt anything there.

they don't call him the realmccoy for nothin' ... thank you, sir ... can't wait to rip up the highway with this car again