Timing on Zuk

[dtchch]

After removing my Escudo's head I've noticed that the marks on the crank and block when lined up aren't exactly TDC. The pistons are just beginning to travel down when the marks are lined up.

Question is, what should I go with? It seemed to run pretty normal before. Or should I mark where true TDC is and use that?

Cheers

1991 16v G16A by the way

[dtchch]

For those interested, I did a bit of reading and it's common that the key which aligns the crank pulley becomes damaged - as seen here http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic, ... #msg282516

I'm going to remove the pulley tonight and fingers crossed the damage isn't on the crankshaft itself (there is a hori fix with loctite but I'd rather not go there)

But this explains the pulley not lining up at TDC, also if you have play in the accessory pulley on the front of the crank pulley.
If you are getting bad performance and the timing is going out it could also be your problem.

[Swamped]

Yeah its been covered a bit on here too. I've had it happen. I just swapped another crank in. I read somewhere you could re key you crank 180 degrees from the standard too.

[dtchch]

My problem now is getting the bloody crank pulley/gear off. Bolt came out alright but that pully is stuck on there real good.
I think it must have mashed the metal in there at some stage, trying to tap the pulley clockwise and hopefully I'll be able to work it off

If anyone has any ideas I'd be thankful, the mission seems to get bigger with every part I take off!