Timing belt installation and cam rotation

[Robert Scheck]

I think I have done something extremely stupid. While replacing the timing belt in my F6A engine, I mistakenly rotated the intake cam 360 degrees while the belt was off. I realigned the timing marks. But upon reassembly the engine does not start. How much damage have I probably done to the engine? Will this require a top end teardown or is a simpler repair required? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Rob

[Ian Linden]

Did you feel any resistance when rotating the camshaft through 360 deg? It is documented as an interference engine, so it is surprising you could do that without encountering resistance. If that did not happen, perhaps the crankshaft was in such a position that contact did not occur (e.g. no piston at or near TDC). Having aligned the camshaft correctly to the mark and installing the belt, no contact would result from subsequently rotating the crankshaft, of course.

Perhaps there is another reason the engine will not start.

[Martin Hartmann]

Hi Robert,
I agree with Ian - a cam rotation must not necessarily lead to damaged valves. To exclude this failure, You can easily perform a compression test.

But I think it is more likely You have a second error. My first thought was: Inlet camshaft drives the ignition distributor, and therefore the firing order is affected. On the other hand, a full rotation should have no effect on ignition timing. Please doublecheck the alignment of the timing marks. I myself did a one-tooth-error 15 years ago on my Toyota Corolla engine due to bad visibility of the alignment. Engine run extreme bad and had massive starting problems, which was very unusual.

Next idea is to check the arrangement of ignition lines, if You took them off during the replacement of the belt. Just to prevent mistakes in firing order.

Have good luck and please keep us informed!
Martin

[Robert Scheck]

Thank you very much. I will look into your recommendations.