Nissan Repair: timing belt nissan 300zx, nissan 300zx, water pump replacement

Question
Hi, I made the mistake of changing the timing belt during a water pump replacement and did not mark the camshafts since I did not realize they would move..OOOPPPs . Is there a method of realigning without removing the rocker covers etc???? thanks for any suggestions .Tim

Answer
Hi Tim -

Yes. First of all, manually turn the engine until the TDC mark aligns with the notch on the damper (this is the bottom pulley of the engine). Next you have to align the camshaft sprocket. There should be some notches to align with the cylinder head. Finally open the distributor cap and align the rotor with the #1 tower on the cap. Once this is all aligned, very carefully install the timing belt, not disturbing the setting you have just made.

If you go to a site like autozone.com, or fixya.com you can navigate through and find the diagram and notches I am speaking of.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin