Hi ,

I have a few questions hoping someone can help . 1. when timing 2003 cooper s 1.6l does engine have to be top dead center or just links on chain lined up .

2. how can you or has anyone removed the crankshaft timing gear and replaced it came in timing set would like to change it . but dont want to start and screw myself

 

If you have the front cover off, lining up the colored links on the chain to the marks on the two gears is the official way. You don't have to find TDC for this. Others have written about finding TDC on piston 1 and then aligning the cam gear accordingly. There are threads on that.

I asked the same question about the crank timing gear a couple of weeks ago and no one indicated they ever changed it. The book says to but I've yet to meet someone who says they have. My engine is over 140k and the gear visually appears fine. I did find the real source of my rattle later and it wasn't timing related...