Hello Everyone,

I'm new to this Forum  I really need your help.  This is the first time in trying to change my timing belt and while going through the steps per the Owners Manual, while attempting to remove the bolt on the passenger side, intake camshaft sprocket, the sprocket turned a few degrees to the left of the timing mark that's located on the rear cover.  Will this cause anything to be damaged?  Can I rotate sprocket back to its original position at the timing mark before I place new timing belt on?  Thanks for any help on this matter.  I got really nervous when this happened.  I had a friend who was holding the inner bolt (10mm) with a socket and ratchet, but for some strange reason, he moved the socket and ratchet just as I was turning the center bolt to the sprocket.

Welcome to the Club!

You should be OK as the engine wasn't turning over. . See point 28 in guide:

http://www.ttzd.com/tech/timingbelttech.html

Edited April 17, 20223 yr by AndrewG

Welcome to the club ?

The cams tend to whip one way or the other from their marks. Move them back into alignment after they do. 

If you've got the plenum and valve covers off this is much easier as the cams have a point as stated in the FSM that you can put a spanner on to move them one way or the other. 

Thanks for the fast responses back to me.  I was really sweating it, since it's my very first time actually changing my own timing belt.  My water pump was leaking and I just decided to do the complete timing belt service while replacing the pump. I only had approximately 10K remaining before the actual service was needed.  AndrewG, thinks for the reference and noting point 28 in the guide.   I was actually using the TTZ's of Dallas Technical step by step guide, but was just a little hesitant and cautious about turning the sprocket. 

Thanks again everyone.  I'm going to really enjoy this site.  It is great finding other Z32 car enthusiasts' who are still enjoying the best Z car on the road!

13 hours ago, EbonyGold919 said:

Thanks for the fast responses back to me.  I was really sweating it, since it's my very first time actually changing my own timing belt.  My water pump was leaking and I just decided to do the complete timing belt service while replacing the pump. I only had approximately 10K remaining before the actual service was needed.  AndrewG, thinks for the reference and noting point 28 in the guide.   I was actually using the TTZ's of Dallas Technical step by step guide, but was just a little hesitant and cautious about turning the sprocket. 

Thanks again everyone.  I'm going to really enjoy this site.  It is great finding other Z32 car enthusiasts' who are still enjoying the best Z car on the road!

Clips can help a lot.

Hello and welcome to the club.....!

And nice work in changing the cam belt yourself - I would just ask Jimmer... ? 

Whilst I can't answer your technical query, all I will say is be sure to use an original Nissan belt. I have seen and heard too many horror stories involving non-OEM belts - things like markers not lining up and poor engine-running issues after the swap!