I need help timing my RB20DET!!!

[PadosInc]

I recently snapped my timing belt, i just thought i could match the cam marks and the crank marks but then the car ran like complete s*** and died. I need help figuring out the full process on how I am supposed to re-time the car since everywhere else just says to make sure when REPLACING the belt to just lock everything so it doesn't move and just put a new belt on, my marks are on, and i need help figuring out if there's a specific process as to why it runs like complete s*** and then dies, thanks for anyone that can help whatsoever.

[Yellow4g63]

You prob have some bent valves in there if the belt snapped.

[RustspecS13]

I went through this a few months ago. You have bent valves.

Buy a gasket kit and new valves. Get ready for some down time.

~Alex

[PadosInc]

everyone and their mother that i asked said the RB20DET was non-interference, so I'm guessing that it actually is interference?

[PadosInc]

well regardless, i trust you guys over anyone that i would talk to, including the people at the nissan dealership by my house, so i can rip my head off and get it machined and fixed. My new question, did you guys that had this happen to you need to replace your piston heads? or was there no damage? i can make sure once i take the head off, but I'd like a little pre-game plan...thanks

[240z4u]

Unfortunately, it is an interference motor.

Not sure about the pistons, maybe best to get it apart and see what your up against.

[zmannz]

I had a buddy with a motor that did this, and he had it fixed. The motor always had issues with one cylinder running hotter than the rest after that, and my machinist told me it was due to bad surface damage on the piston top causing burn problems in the cylinder. Is that a real problem? Just wondering since it may affect his rb too.

[RustspecS13]

My engine is the same way. Yes the most ideal thing to do is replace all the pistons. That is the engines main weakness, is the piston ringlands are weak.

But if you spend a little time and clean up where the valves made contact with the pistons you'll be fine.

Almost all my valves are bent and I'll just clean up my pistons. Probably with some sand paper. But I'll do some research and come up with the best way to do it.

And 99% of nissan motors are interference. The only one I can think of is the VG30E nissan made for ford in their vans.

~Alex

[PadosInc]

alright, i'll have my input about the cylinder heads when I rip the head off, anybody with input about some aftermarket parts I should invest in? like APR head studs and such?

I'll also take some pictures of the destruction

thanks everybody!

[RustspecS13]

Yea arp head studs help out alot. Since they are reusable they will save you money in the long run.

I replaced my head gasket in the spring and used arp head studs. Then my idler fell off on the highway 800 miles later, bending my valves.

If I had bought the stock head studs I would have spent more money on two sets of stockers while one set of arps are less. And they clamp better.

And the stock head gasket is good for plenty of horse power.

As of now I'll be running exactly that, a fully stock top end with ARP's and stock head gasket. It should be plenty for 400whp with out much of a problem.

~Alex