How to Align the Timing Crankshaft of Peugeot 408?
4 Answers
The timing point of the crankshaft is located at the base of the oil filter, and the timing point of the camshaft is on the camshaft timing wheel. Secure each point with a pin. The specific steps for timing alignment are as follows: 1. Align the mark on the intake camshaft with the mark on the chain. Rotate the exhaust camshaft to align its mark with the chain mark. Generally, there are three timing marks. The chain has sprocket teeth of different colors, and the camshaft gear also has three marks—two groove marks aligned with the cylinder head plane, the dot on the gear aligned with the black chain link on the chain, and the TDC mark on the crankshaft gear aligned with the mark on the oil pump. 2. Tighten the chain by rotating the camshaft screw on one side. Rotate the crankshaft timing sprocket to align the crankshaft mark with the chain mark, completing the timing alignment.
The timing alignment of the Peugeot 408's crankshaft is actually quite critical. I've tinkered with it several times myself. Remember to rotate cylinder one to top dead center and align the mark on the crankshaft pulley with the small triangular mark on the engine block. The two camshaft gears also need to be aligned simultaneously—one should align with the notch on the cylinder head, and the other should align with the mark on the camshaft bearing cap. Before installing the belt, use a special tool to lock the camshaft gears to prevent them from rotating. After installation, adjust the tension using the tensioner. Finally, remember to manually rotate the crankshaft two full turns and recheck the alignment marks for any deviation. Being off by even a single tooth could lead to valve interference, which would ruin the engine. It's best to follow the repair manual for these tasks, as the mark positions may vary slightly across different model years.
I've been repairing cars for over ten years. For the Peugeot 408, aligning the timing belt with the crankshaft involves three key positions. First, rotate the crankshaft to the top dead center of cylinder one and align the dot on the gear with the engine mark. For the two camshaft gears, the groove on the left one should be horizontally aligned with the protrusion on the timing cover, while the notch on the right one should face upward to align with the bearing cap mark. When installing the belt, pay attention to the direction arrow to avoid reversing it. After installation, use a tension gauge to measure the tightness, which should be between 50-60Hz to be considered qualified. Remember to lock the flywheel with a wrench, otherwise, if the crankshaft moves while tightening the screws, all your effort will be wasted. After completion, test by rotating the engine two full turns; only when the exhaust sound is regular can you confirm proper alignment. This technical work requires patience and careful adjustment—it can't be rushed.
Last time when helping a friend with the 408's timing, I discovered there's a trick to aligning the crankshaft. You must first align the dot on the crankshaft gear with the notch on the oil pan - this marking angle requires you to crouch down to see clearly. Pay special attention to the positions of the two camshaft gears: the intake cam's notch should align with the valve cover boss, while the exhaust cam's gap must line up with the chain tensioner position. When installing the belt, first loop it over the crankshaft pulley, then the water pump pulley, and finally the tensioner pulley. I recommend using timing tools to secure the camshaft gears - if you notice incorrect belt tension during manual rotation, readjust immediately. Throughout the process, remember to remove and clean the chain guide plate, as debris can affect precision.
