I tried doing my timing belt today and had a small snag. I have done my TB on my old bmw so I have done them in the past. I have watched and read how to do it a few times to be sure I would not have a problem. I thought I had a 30mm socket but did not so I used a wrench instead to do the timing marks. I could not see for the life of me the bottom mark so I made sure the top marks where ok. As I look to take off the bottom(at the crank) timing belt cover, I noticed that there was a small metal hose and made for very tight space to pull out the belt so I stopped. I replaced the tensioner and the bearing and checked play on the WP and it was tight and no noise then really checked the timing belt by checking for cracks and it was perfect so I decided to put it back on for now. As I was putting on the belt, i rechecked the top marks and the left cam moved to the right. I could not believe it. I didn't know what to do so I moved it back in place and put everything back together. I was afraid that if I started it I would do damage so I threw caution in the wind and did my sign of the cross and started it, it runs fine. My question, is am I fine? I am going to buy a 30mm socket and a cam holder. I will it take the cam pulley off this time. Sorry long!!!!!

 

If it's running fine, there is nothing to worry about. This job is definitely easier with the right socket and a rear cam locker, though.
No need to remove the cam pulley for this job. Just make sure everything is at the alignment marks.
For future reference, this is the alignment mark for the crank. It is kind of hard to see, you have to look from the top of the engine.

 

Thanks for the help, I could of swore I had that 30mm and I also didn't think the cam would turn so easily. The picture you have on the timing mark, i could not see it. I am getting the socket and the locking tool and I will picture what I see. Thanks again. I took the car out last night and it ran perfect thank God. I really like this car and I don't want to lose it.

 

The cam likely didn't move. Just the VVT. Happens all the time. I move it back and put the belt on. Locking the back isn't needed just to do a timing belt.

 

Yes, it's likely the VVT moved (assuming you have VVT). You need to hold the cam in the preload position when you route the belt or it will not start. Obviously this wasn't a problem, because your car is running.

 

My car doesn't have VVT.

 

Same info applies. It moved. You moved it back. No harm done. No need to lock at the back for a timing belt job.

If you have a 99, it should have VVT though.

 

Interesting and yes I need those tools.
Thanks again

 

I agree, the locking tools are not necessary but they do help, especially with VVT.
Not exactly, some '99 N/A engines did not have VVT.