I've been trying to time up my 1.6 k16. I got the pistons to be level and put the camshaft gears to both have exhaust marks pointing backwards and level with the in marks. I have cranked the engine over and although I get resistance from it a lot of the way around it does turn.

If the valves were going to hit, would I be able to crank it by hand? Is there any other checks I can do before I start the car? I can't afford to get it wrong.

If the valves were touching it would not turn all the way. Have you taken the spark plugs out?

If the valves were touching it would not turn all the way. Have you taken the spark plugs out?

I've had them out and now I've put them back in. So what you're saying is no matter how hard i push on the wrench, if the timing was wrong i wouldn't be able to turn it by hand?

If you push against the resistance you bend the valves and then the engine turns. If you have the plugs fitted, the compression will make the engine feel stiff.

See - http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=395705

If you push against the resistance you bend the valves and then the engine turns. If you have the plugs fitted, the compression will make the engine feel stiff.

See - http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=395705

That's what I followed. Am I right in thinking that if the crank is lined up with the mark that the pistons would be level and in the 'safe' position? So if the crank is in the safe position and the cam gears are lined up as in the picture then it must be right?

Would being one tooth out be enough to cause the valves to bend?

Pistons are level when set at timing marks as you say.

You can just about get away with being 2 teeth out before you get trouble, but it depends on which cam and in which direction.

Pistons are level when set at timing marks as you say.

You can just about get away with being 2 teeth out before you get trouble, but it depends on which cam and in which direction.

If anything it'll be the inlet cam being one tooth too far clockwise.

It's alive and running fine. Thanks for your help.

Now I have it up and running, I have an oil leak literally dripping fast from between block and crank pulley. Any suggestions?