I pulled the timing belt. Then without thinking about it I rotated the flywheel a few rotations. Which i have no idea how the crankshaft is turned. I assume that 2 rotations of the crankshaft equals a complete "cycle" (each piston making 2 rounds, one for ignition of gas and the next for exhaust). What about cams? does it make one turn or 2... How do i get all this close to being right so i can get the belt back on? I know about the timing marks on the pullys. I didnt move the cams, so they are good. es300 v-6

 

You can stick a rod in the first cylinder's spark plug hole and rotate the crank until the piston gets to top dead center. It will also line up with the mark on the engine.

 

There is no "cycle" when it comes to only the crankshaft. One rotation of the crank is one rotation, the cycle is determined by the camshafts. Meaning, line up the mark on the crank pulley and you're good.

 

Two rotations of the crank equals one rotation on the cam. When you put it back together and if it runs bad, check for compression. Turning the crank not linked to the cam, can lead to bent valves if your engine has interference.

 

There is a mark on the crank and there is a mark on each cam sprocket. They all have to line up.

 

Isn't it the other way around? The crank pulley is twice the size of the camshaft one.

 

The crank sprocket is smaller than the cam, gear ratios are used here.

 

Thanks for all the help. I got it now. But just to make sure, if a just rotated both cams and the crank in all different directions and got them all out of wack. It wouldnt matter as long as i lined up the 3 alignment marks before i put the timing belt on. Right?

 

http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/gear-ratio1.htm#

 

Yes on the three marks.