Spent the past weekend changing the water pump and timing belt in 93 LS400. We lined up the timing marks on each of cams and the crank. Starting at the bottom we lined up the white line on the belt with the dimple on the crank. Threading belt up the left side facing the engine and keeping the belt tight, the white line on the belt was one tooth off on the left cam gear and two teeth off on the right side cam gear. Getting to the point where we could start the motor, the timing is definitely off. The question is should we have lined up the marks up top after the crank and let the belt tighten up on down each side or is there something else we should have done? Thanks for your consideration. Doug

 

i put the belt from the right cam then the left cam since the tensioner is under the right cam i just put all the slack there.

 

When you put the belt on the left cam gear, you should have had a socket wrench on the bolt holding the gear and turned it just enough to get the mark on the belt to line up with the cam gear. Then, keeping the left side tight from the crank to the left gear, move to the right gear. Turn the right cam until the belt mark lines up and it's tight across the water pump. Pull the pin on the tensioner, go home happy.

That's what the TIS said and it worked for me (I've got a '96, but that part of the operation is the same).

 

From what you're saying then the timing marks that line up the cams are only for reference and once the belt is on, the cams need to be lined up with the marks on the belt rather than the timing marks behind the cams. Is this correct? Thanks.

 

No. The timing marks on the cam pulleys and block (behind cam) are most important. The belt marks are nice and help with installation but are secondary. The crank should be at TDC and each cam aligned to the marks on the engine. Since you have to apply some tension to get the belt on, the belt marks aid with the proper tooth location. Once you put the belt on and turn it two full revolutions, the belt markings with be "off" but the *hard* metal indentation marks will be dead on(and MUST be for proper operation). Ultimately, the hard timing marks are the only ones that are important.

 

This is all correct. The marks on the belt make it easy, the hard timing marks are what you need to check after the belt is on.

 

Here is the instructions for timing it on ls400 1995 to 1997 I’ll post the other instructions for the 1990 to 1994 after posting this hope this will help!!!!😊

Alright this one is for the 1992 to 1994 if you wanna close up on directions lemme know definitely glad to help out on anything…peace!!!