OK, Im new guys. got me a 95 Geo Tracker 1.6L 16 Valve. Head gasket needed changed, so I tackled it myself. Got all changed! Now its back together, I need timing help. ONE, how exactly do I adjust the timing at the distributor. Im honestly a new motor guy, and Im used to computer timing and coil packs.
And TWO, im not sure I got the timing belt back right. I didnt take the cover all the way off, just tried to keep it on the teeth on the lower pulley. Looks like that was a big mistake becasue now I have little to no compression in the cylinders, probably slipped the timing belt. OR, I put the cam in wrong. There was 2 holes in the cam pulley that fit on the cam dowel. One had an "E" and one had an "I", I THOUGHT it was in the "E" slot when I removed it but not sure now. Whats the two holes for? And are these motors Interfearece motors?? Will the valves hit the pistons?
Thanks!

Your valves are safe, but you cam is way out of time, easy way to time
the cam is crank mark up, cam mark down, put on the belt.

Not sure why the cam sprocket was removed, and I can't remember
if the pin goes in the I or E slot, also remember that the distributor
turns counter clockwise on the 16V engine, not clockwise like an 8V
engine. The rotor points to the 5 o'clock position on an 8V engine
when firing #1 cylinder, I'm not sure where where it starts at on the
16V

Good Luck
Wild

ok thanks. The pulley was removed 1 for the camshaft WOULD NOT come out of the head until it was loosened. The rocker arm shaft was sticking out too far to get the pulley over it. Wierd I know. 2 the oil gasket on the cam was rough, so I replaced it also.

Check Out Ack's FAC's for how to set cam and dist timing. First time I did mine I got it all mixed up too.

OK, I found ACK's FAQ's. Im worried now. It said the 16v IS an Interfearence motor. I guess just trying to start it wouldn't hurt the valves too much, but might have kissed them. UHG!

I think the 16V with the chain is, but the 1.6 16V is non, I have checked this
personally by bringing a piston to TDC and rotating the cam by hand, no problems

Wild

I've spun mine over plenty with the cam and ignition timing waaay off, no issues.

I think the 16V with the chain is, but the 1.6 16V is non, I have checked this
personally by bringing a piston to TDC and rotating the cam by hand, no problems

Wild

Yes, the 1.8 16V is definitely an interference engine.  I've seen more than one destroyed when the cam chains loosen up enough to cause them to jump teeth.

Quote from: wildgoody on December 03, 2010, 05:40:53 PM

I think the 16V with the chain is, but the 1.6 16V is non, I have checked this
personally by bringing a piston to TDC and rotating the cam by hand, no problems

Wild

Yes, the 1.8 16V is definitely an interference engine.  I've seen more than one destroyed when the cam chains loosen up enough to cause them to jump teeth.

OK, is there a 16V with a chain and a 16v with a belt? Some say chain and some say belt. Just a difference in speeech or is there really some with timing CHAINS? Just curious, thanks

Quote from: Skyhiranger on December 05, 2010, 08:47:37 AM

Quote from: wildgoody on December 03, 2010, 05:40:53 PM

I think the 16V with the chain is, but the 1.6 16V is non, I have checked this
personally by bringing a piston to TDC and rotating the cam by hand, no problems

Wild

Yes, the 1.8 16V is definitely an interference engine.  I've seen more than one destroyed when the cam chains loosen up enough to cause them to jump teeth.

OK, is there a 16V with a chain and a 16v with a belt? Some say chain and some say belt. Just a difference in speeech or is there really some with timing CHAINS? Just curious, thanks

Read the posts carefully. 
There is a 1.6 16V with a belt (single overhead cam) that is found in trackers and sidekicks and x90s.  There is a 1.8 16V with chains (dual overhead cam) that is found in sidekick sports.
I think the 1.6 16Vs that are found in the cars are belt as well, but I think the cam lift and duration is a little different, so that is why they are an interference engine whereas the 1.6s that are in the trackicks and x90s are not.

GOTYA!! I didnt see the "1.8" in ur post earlier! Thanks for the clarifiction!!

Guys, How does that bottom pulley come off? Is there like 4 or 5 bolts on it? and does the MIDDLE main bolt have to come out?

Guys, How does that bottom pulley come off? Is there like 4 or 5 bolts on it? and does the MIDDLE main bolt have to come out?

5 bolts.  The center bolt does NOT come out.  Sometimes the pulley "hangs up" on the timing cog that it is bolted to....but if it does, you can work it back and forth and it will come off.

The 5 smaller bolts hold on the crank pulley, the big center
bolt holds on the crankshaft cam timing cog, it will have to
come off to get the cog off

Wild

OK, thanks guys. It seems the bolts wont budge, guess cause it is awkward to get to it. Theres no chance of a timing mark on the cog that I can see WITHOUT taking the pulley off? I doubt it but the one in the cam sproket has a small notch outta the teeth. Wish the botom cog did.