So while I was redoing my sprockets, chain, and guides, I marked off with a Sharpie the direction in which the arrows were pointing. By the end of my project I noticed both were wiped off. I also know that I did turn the camshaft in order to get the tool on to get the bolt on snug. I did match up the gold links with all of the arrows but I'm not guaranteed good timing correct?? I need some good help on how to fix this!! I also don't want to be off by 180° and think that it looks right

 

Which model?

 

I am thinking that if you had the marks in place before you did any work you are ok. Also pretty sure that the marks only line up every 4th cycle on a single cam 4-cylinder engine.

I have rebuilt a V-6 with DOHC but not a Tritec.

 

it's a 2003 MCS. And I know I did turn the camshaft in order to get the tool to fit in. How can I be sure that my timing is Good? At what position does the cam have to be in relative to the crank

 

Have to get some better mechanics involved. Might have to find TDC on the # 1 cylinder and then also whether it is in compression or exhaust. Have you done a search, even on Google, 9 of 10 times will send you back here?

 

Do you have the cam lock to lock the engine in time? Cam Tool Rental

It's a very simple setting. There are two dots on the crank gear that correlate with two marked links on the chain, and one arrow on the cam gear that correlates with the single marked chain link.

 

Question, as if either the cam or the crank is off by one turn you could have valves in either compression or exhaust, don't you need to make sure that you have that correct?

 

To get it back exact and be sure your 100% in time you will need to pull the front timing cover/oil pump and line the marks up with the copper color teeth on the chain. If you remove the rocker arms all the valves will be closed and you can turn the engine without worry of bending valves to get it lined up then install the chain and then the rockers.
Also make sure you go ahead and replce the timing cover seals as they are always smashed flat and will need replaced.

 

so that's what I did with my new chain and sprocket but something I noticed on the previous parts is that the arrows weren't aligned with the gold links, so I missed them timing up trying to get the arrows and chain to line up when I shouldn't have messed with it. Is there a universal way to reset the timing? Like cylinder 1 tdc on the exhaust stroke type of thing?

 

Would think the universal method would be only when the timing chain has not been screwed around with. If the chain is off, then there is the chance of bending a valve. Where Way said to remove the rockers is now the only thing you can do IMO.

 

NO you do NOT time it with the piston at TDC.

If the teeth didn't line up with the arrows on the cam and the crank then it wasn't timed correctly. They HAVE to line up. Take it back apart and redo it something is wrong. And make sure you look in the manual it has several great pictures.

 

so I now realized that I think I was over thinking things. I understand now that the chain spins haha. Are you saying that I'm guaranteed proper timing if I match all of the notches??

 

yes if you line the marks up with the teeth then it will be correct.