Looking for some help. My 92 960s timing belt broke. Several shops told me the motor is junked. The car is in excellent condition and before I scrap it out I wanted to put a new timing belt on and be sure. My problem is, I cannot find the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley. I have looked and looked and watched you tube videos but I swear there is no timing mark on that pulley. The only thing I found was a small notch in one of the valleys of the pulley. I used that and tried to start the car but nothing.. So now I pulled the number one plug[closest to the belt] and stuck a screwdriver down and turn the crank until I feel it is at tdc. Before I re time the cams i want to be sure the crank is positioned correctly. Am I missing something? I really wish I had a timing mark rather than a screwdriver. Is that the way some of these motors are? Am I wasting my time? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Hate to see the car get crushed.

 

Sorry, but the shops are right. It's an interference motor.

Haven't seen one without a mark though.

 

If you like the car and the rest of it is nice, you can buy a 960 for next to nothing in most markets, like $500... Get one, swap the motor, scrap the donor car, keep your '92.

 

Motor is pooched, guaranteed! Just buy another one with a good drivetrain.

 

Hard to believe the timing mark is not there on the crankshaft pulley. It's not easy to see.

I'd suggest turning the motor using a 30mm socket on the end of the crankshaft and turn it using a ratchet wrench. Examine each tooth with a good light and mark it with red felt pen (so you know you did not miss any). The mark is right at the back of its tooth.

But, as others have said, resign yourself to replacing the motor. Ideally, find a low milage car that was smashed.

Good luck.