
The camshaft timing pulley has a dot, and there is a mark on the cylinder head. Align the dot on the camshaft timing pulley with the mark on the cylinder head, at which point the large dot should be at the very top. The crankshaft timing pulley also has a dot, which should be aligned with the mark on the engine block, with the pin hole at the very top. The number of teeth on the timing belt between the two marks is 32. After alignment, once the timing belt is installed, it is essential to rotate the crankshaft two full turns to ensure the upper and lower marks return to their original positions.

As a car owner, I adjusted the timing belt on my Xiali N3 last month. The key is to accurately locate the alignment points. First, remove the protective cover and find the zero mark on the crankshaft pulley, aligning it with the small hole or marking on the engine block to position the crankshaft correctly. Then, handle the camshaft—its gear also has a marking point. Use a wrench to slowly rotate it until it aligns with the indicator line on the cylinder head. After confirming the alignment, install the new belt and tighten it with the tensioner, ensuring it's neither too loose nor too tight. Finally, rotate the crankshaft two full turns to check if the marks still align. If there's any deviation, you'll need to start over. Misaligned belts can cause the engine to stall or even damage the valves. It's advisable to prepare tools like wrenches and alignment pins in advance. If you're not confident, it's better to take it to a repair shop for peace of mind and convenience.

I've done quite a few car maintenance jobs, and the timing belt replacement for the Xiali N3 requires extra caution. The steps are: Mark the alignment points - the crankshaft position must be returned to zero, and the camshaft must also be properly aligned. It's best to use a wrench to stabilize them. After installing the new belt, tighten the tensioner pulley to maintain moderate tension. Test run the engine for several revolutions to ensure everything is correct. Misalignment may cause piston seizure or oil leakage, which is extremely dangerous - always wear proper protective gear. I recommend regular belt replacement rather than waiting until wear causes problems - it's both cost-effective and safer.

Once I made a mistake while adjusting the timing belt, and the engine just shook without starting. The correct procedure is simple: first align the crankshaft and camshaft marks, install the belt and tighten it. The key is to repeatedly check if the alignment is accurate. The Xiali N3 is easy to work on, but you need to be careful.


