There is a problem with "official procedure" = it's almost plain stupid (although it works, no doubt here). And folks copy this (blindly follow The Procedure, like a cyborgs) without thinking ("monkey see, monkey do").
WHY on earth would you drop the timing belt as a first (or second) step? Doesn't make sense, AT ALL.
Correct (logical) way is (should be),
if you use timing belt tools:
-
you try to install them first (to check if engine was timed/clocked properly) and decide "what's next",
- then you can fool-around with "official" steps (but you can skip some of them - OK, depending what kind of job it is, timing belt swap, head gasket, etc.).
Remember this: "official procedure" is copied straight from the engine factory, where they assemble them the very first time. You
don't have to mimic it exactly step by step (or, not always).
As for making DIY tools, it's a definition of a hobby, right? You make your own things, and by definition it's not meant to be "economical" (and you don't count your own "man/working hours" doing it).
PS
The problem with "amateur" method is that you will never know if the engine was originally well timed ...
The same is true for "the one and only correct and right official proper procedure"!
And there is a room for errors too (when engine stops at random position, you drop the belt and then try to fit timing tools, you can potentially do some damage). It is not "bullet proof" too.
Proper way is to take the best from both worlds (official and old-school/DIY).
