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A quick question before I start my engine.

On a renault sandero (K7m), I took the timing-belt cover off to inspect the condition of my timing-belt.

I then rotated the crankshaft until I could get a better idea of the condition of the timing-belt.

The question is..... Is it safe to switch on the engine at this point?

I didn't mark anything or count the revolutions, but I removed nothing other than the cambelt cover i.e. I did not remove anything on the crankshaft at all. I used a large torque wrench to turn the engine (clockwise), attaching the wrench to the main crank pulley bolt, while inspecting the timing-belt.

Just want to make sure I don't wreck the engine.

Any help much appreciated.

Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
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Jim
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1 Answers1

6

If you are worried about cam timing and lunching the engine, if you've not taken apart any of the cam timing components (belts/cogs/tensioners), you've done nothing to cause you issues. I think the biggest faux pas you've done is using your torque wrench to turn the engine over. Next time, just use a socket & breaker bar (or large ratchet).

Another thing of note here is, you can't really tell the condition of the cam belt by looking at it. You can see obvious things, like if it was starting to fray, but during the life expectancy of the belt, you won't see it do this unless foreign matter has gotten in there. There is a reason manufacturers put a mileage figure on changing your belt and that's so it'll get done well before your engine is close to being in trouble. Do the belt change at recommended intervals and your car won't suffer the fate of When Piston Met Valve saga.

Note: Sorry for the "punny" link ... had to do it.

Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
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