Timing Mark Auxiliary vs Timing Cover

[smbaird37]

Anyone,
I am redoing a timing belt replacement and I have a discrepancy in the directions (Haynes) and what I am seeing. Haynes says the auxiliary wheel should have its timing mark about 34 degree CW but when I check that against the timing cover marks, that's about 10 degrees BTDC. Lining it up with the timing cover looks closer to 45 degrees CW. It's a '71 with 1608 engine with a metal timing belt cover - I have been told those were for 1438 engines. Could this be the reason? Any clues welcome!
Thanks!
~Steven

[131]

Timing the auxiliary pulley has nothing to do with the timing cover. Point the timing mark at the 13mm bolt on the tensioner assembly.

[smbaird37]

Agree with the the first thing you said - the geometry of your second suggestion seems way off from any other information I have. I did observe that the Aux wheel turns freely when loose from the belt - perhaps it was just off it's "correct" position. I checked the timing cover marks using the pencil in #1 plug hole trick and its appears to be accurate. Just put it back together and it almost catches... enough for today - I'll take another whack at it next weekend. Thanks for you thoughts!
~s

[azruss]

the last time i had my motor apart, i specifically looked at the aux shaft interference area. You have clearance at TDC from about 12:30 to 2:30, So 34 degrees in right in the middle of that.

[131]

the geometry of your second suggestion seems way off from any other information I have.

If you point the timing mark at the 13mm bolt that the tensioner spring wraps around you'll never have an issue.