Nissan Repair: timing belt replace, crankshaft pulley, proper alignment

Question
I removed the LH sprocket but did not make the marks on either sprocket or crankshaft pulley. How do I reinstall the new belt without messing up the alignment?

Answer
Hi Sen -

Best thing to do is set all at TDC. The damper must be at zero degrees, no. 1 piston at top dead center on the compression stroke. Distributor such that the rotor is pointing at the no. 1 tower of the distributor cap. And finally, the camshaft (sprocket) alignment with the marks on the wheel lined up with the head.

If you go to www.autozone.com or www.2carpros.com, you should be able to pull a diagram of the proper alignment positions for this vehicle.

be careful, the alignment MUST be accurate. If the installed belt is one notch off, the car will not run correctly, if running at all.

Don;t forget while you are at it, replace the tensioner and the water pump at the same time.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin