Loading…
29
Appreciation post: That time a white paint pen made timing belt alignment simple
I was struggling to line up the timing marks on an engine rebuild last week. Another mechanic suggested dabbing white paint on the gears, and it was so much clearer. What's your favorite way to mark timing during reassembly?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
harper_singh187mo ago
White paint pens are a classic. I usually go for a bright nail polish dot if I'm in a pinch. Stays put and you can find it in any garage.
8
grace_chen6mo ago
Paint pens can be a real mess too, they bleed and leave a permanent mark if you slip. @the_logan's chalk idea sounds messy but at least it wipes off clean when you're done. Sometimes the old school way of just using a sharp scribe line is the cleanest method.
8
the_logan7mo ago
My friend Mark's garage in Toledo is where I learned about using chalk for timing marks. Honestly, it was a disaster because the chalk dust got everywhere and blurred the lines. Tbh, we spent more time cleaning chalk off the engine than actually aligning it. Ngl, after that, I switched to paint pens and never looked back. They give a clear, lasting mark that doesn't mess up your work. It's funny how the simplest tools can make or break a job.
5