I have been replacing the head gasket and cleaning up a 1993 FIRE 1000 cc Panda. Last night, I reinstalled the timing belt. In the instructions, it says to lay in the belt, tighten the tensioning wheel, the rotate the belt two or three times manually using the CAM SHAFT bolt.
I did this and was very happy to hear the engine "puff" what sounded like compressed air out of the exhaust ports (I haven't replaced the exhaust manifold yet).
I don't know much about the rebuild process, this is my first time rebuilding, but it did sound encouraging. Hopefully, this weekend, the thing will be running again!
Auguste.

You're a braver man then me. Best of luck with it and I'm sure some of the guys here can offer some useful advice.

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I've done a few head gaskets in my time. As long as you've had the head skimmed and followed the instructions on tightening the head bolts you shouldn't have to do it again. I learnt the hard way the first time!
As for the cam belt, as long as everything is in the correct position, Camshaft/TDC it should run OK after. The worst that can happen is that the cam belt is a few notches out and you have to go through the timing process again. It won't damage the engine though.
Good luck.

Russ

Neither of the books I look at specifies where to turn over the engine from.

I would use the crankshaft* to turn the engine, belt and camshaft:
it's the way it happens naturally.

I'd guess you're in danger of straining the belt doing it the other way[xx(]


John H

* this being the place where the alternator pulley fastens with three bolts - as discussed elsewhere.

NEVER TURN AN ENGINE OVER WITH THE CAM SHAFT!!!! It completely knocks out the adjustment of the belt. After all, an engine never starts on a cam shaft only on the crank shaft.

[xx(]

Pete
K&N Induction Kit On A Panda?? Never!!!

Really didn't seem to be a strain on anything but I'll check the belt for tension and alignment and make sure the timing marks are still setup - looked good when I finished up. The Porter bood said you should be able to turn the belt 90 degrees with your fingers, which felt right when I did it.
Thanks for the notes!
Auguste

If you want to make the engine rotate you can select the 4th gear and push the car for 1-2 metres!Forward and backward of course

Passion has neither brands nor models!

La passione non ha nè marche nè modelli!