2 Noobie Timing Belt Questions

[speedy94z]

I'm changing the timing belt on my 05 rio for the first time and my first question is....Does the engine mount have to be removed to take the belt off? If so, does the engine need to be supported in any way?

Second, the directions say to line up the timing marks on the cams to the timing marks on the engine. I see an "E" and and "I" and a white dot on each sprocket, but I see no timing reference marks on the engine. What/where are the timing marks that I'm looking for????

Thanks in advance.

[Wrench4Life]

Yes and Yes! Engine mount must come off as well as water pump pulley. Support the engine with a jack and a block of wood, the Kia Rio's only have three drivetrain mounts the top transmission mount designed to be installed by Ford / Mazda was left off by kia's superlative engineering department.

[Wrench4Life]

Forgot to mention, the E and I line up with small arrows in the steel backing plate (you could also make your own reference marks with a paint pen) to the timing belt cover, once you line everything up and remove the belt the intake cam will rotate slightly clockwise, when the new belt is installed the belt will be loose between the exhaust and intake sprockets, once you tension the belt back down the slack will be minimalized between the sprockets. Also note the bolt position on the tensioner it gives you a reference to ensure you are not installing the belt too loose. Also rotate the engine a few times in a clockwise direction to ensure the belt is properly meshing and everything still lines up.

Consider using a Gates timing belt as a replacement.

[speedy94z]

Hey, thanks for the help. However, I've looked at the black steel backing plate that attaches to the cylinder head about a hundred times and I dont see any arrows on it whatsoever. What position are the arrows located on the plate? thanks

[buellxb9rfb]

on the very top not so much as arrows as they are just two small raised V marksone above each cam

[speedy94z]

gotcha! Yeah, it would be nice if it were a little more obvious. Thanks

[Wrench4Life]

Paint pen