2.3L timing belt installation problem (Picture included)
 

http://www3.telus.net/r4square/pics/camsprocket.JPG


This is a 2.3L Ford motor installed in a Bayliner boat with an OMC sterndrive.

I pulled the motor and rebuilt it this summer because it was seized. Two of the pistons had rusted rings.

Just coming up to the final stages of the rebuild. It's been alot easier working on this boat motor since I don't have to deal with any electronics or emissions systems.

Anyways I've in hit a snag with the timing belt installation. I read the manual and surfed the web to get as much information as I could get before installing the belt.

I read the tech section of the Ranger forum so I understand the install process.

Take a look at my camshaft timing marker. There are three markers to line up the dot on the camshaft sprocket.

Which one should I line it up with?

When I install the new timing belt, I line the camshaft sprocket with the middle marker.

After turning the crankshaft 2 turns from TDC to TDC, the camshaft sprocket lines up with the left marker. It that OK or should it line up with the middle marker?

If I turn the crankshaft half a tooth, the camshaft sprocket marker will move from the middle marker to the left marker.

Thanks for any advice you guys can give.

OKAY I am assuming you have the crank and the itermedite shaft all tdc.... your pic is how it should be lined up your problem is the same problem we have on our race cars... when you tighten the belt tensioner it pulls the cam of a tooth or two..... first thing is which way are you routing the belt on the top pully ? we had trouble with ours to where we put the cam on the first mark tighen it up rotated 3 time s and it was right on...we also was putting the belt on from the dist side first instead of the exhaust side...

also can you post some info on the boat like year style and ect. I have been wanting to see if they made the 2300 boat motor stronger/more horsepower than a car 2300...