What is the method for timing alignment on the Citroen C-Quatre?
2 Answers
The method for timing alignment on the Citroen C-Quatre is: 1. Remove the timing cover, slowly rotate the crankshaft, observe that each camshaft pulley has a hole, align it with the corresponding hole on the cylinder head, and secure the camshaft with a special tool (a homemade tool can be used if a special tool is not available); 2. The crankshaft positioning hole is located at the rear of the engine. Find the end of the right-side driveshaft near the transmission, insert a special tool to secure the crankshaft; 3. Adjust the tensioner pulley properly—neither too tight nor too loose to avoid noise. Align the pointer to the middle position, adjust it left and right with a hex key to select the middle position, secure it, and finally tighten the screw.
I often tinker with the engine of my Citroen C-Quatre. The key to timing alignment is to properly match the marks on the crankshaft and camshaft. Open the hood, first remove the timing cover, and use a special locking tool to secure the crankshaft position. Then locate the marks on the camshaft, ensuring they align perfectly. Next, install the timing belt, adjusting the tension just right—too tight or too loose will cause premature wear. Be careful with oil lines throughout the process to avoid damaging other components. Before replacing the belt, it's advisable to prepare a new belt and tensioner, as old parts can accelerate engine damage due to aging. After alignment, start the engine and test-run for a few minutes to check for abnormal noises. I always bring a helper for this job—one person operates while the other verifies the marks. Misalignment could potentially ruin the engine, costing both money and time.
