How to align the timing for the old 4G64 engine?

[JuliaLynn]

Align the white link of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4G64 engine's large crankshaft chain with the crankshaft mark. Align the purple link of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4G64 engine's small chain with the white dot mark. Align the arrow of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4G64 engine's balance shaft with the white link of the large chain. Align the arrow of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4G64 engine's intake camshaft with the purple link of the chain.

[Cora]

As a seasoned mechanic with years of experience, I believe aligning the timing on the old 4G64 engine is an art that requires a step-by-step approach. First, lift the car securely with a jack—safety comes first. Then locate the timing marks: there's a small notch or scale on the crankshaft pulley that must align with the pointer on the front cover; the camshaft gear also has several marks, usually indicating the top dead center position of cylinder 1—you can remove the spark plug to confirm cylinder pressure. Next, loosen the belt tensioner bolt with a wrench, being careful not to let the belt slip off. Adjust the camshaft position until all marks align perfectly, then tighten the tensioner. Rotate the engine two full turns to check if the marks return to their original positions. This process demands patience—misalignment could damage valves or pistons, leading to costly repairs. I recommend keeping a repair manual handy or referring to online tutorial diagrams. Basic tools will suffice, but beginners are better off leaving it to a professional shop to avoid complications.

[MacMartin]

I love DIY car repairs at home, and I've worked on the 4G64 timing belt—it's quite fun! First, open the hood and clean off the dust to locate the timing marks. The crankshaft pulley and camshaft gear both have notches, but they can be hard to see on older cars, so I used a tissue to polish them for better visibility. Align the crankshaft to the top dead center (TDC) position of cylinder 1, then rotate the pulley until the mark meets the pointer. Next, loosen the tensioner bolt and adjust the camshaft slowly, making sure the belt doesn’t slip off. The belt has tension, so handle it gently. Rotate it one full turn to check if all the marks align perfectly—that’s when you know it’s done right. All you need are a wrench and a timing light to confirm the ignition timing—saves money and hones your skills. I watched videos for a week and spent three hours on my first attempt, but the engine ran much smoother afterward. Finally, I recommend using a mobile app to cross-check diagrams to avoid mistakes. Beginners shouldn’t rush—having a friend assist is always safer.

[MacAddyson]

If you're just starting to learn car repair, timing alignment might sound complicated but it's actually not that hard. You need to make sure the crankshaft and camshaft positions match properly to prevent engine damage. On the 4G64 engine, look for the timing marks: there's a small dot on the crankshaft pulley that should align with the reference line on the front cover, and notches on the camshaft sprocket need to be aligned. Rotate the engine to the compression point of cylinder 1, loosen the tensioner screw to adjust the camshaft to the standard position, then tighten the screw to secure it. Rotate the engine one full turn to check if it returns to the original position. Basic tools like regular wrenches are all you need, just be careful not to move the parts too much during the operation. That's the simple explanation - if you're really unfamiliar with it, ask a professional to teach you a few tricks. Safety is the top priority, don't force it if you're unsure.