possible timing issue

[vinavichi]

So I did the dreaded water pump Sunday on my 96 Max with vq30de. I got it all back together and it wont start just cranks. I don't hear valves smacking but when I was trying to get the new pump in I turned the crankshaft about a half turn counterclockwise then back clockwise. The tensioner and water pump were removed when i did this.Basically what are the chances I could've made it jump time ? Hope my engine isn't ruined.

[maxhopper]

Did you have the entire timing cover off, or just the access port for the water pump? If you had the entire cover off, made sure the timing marks on the cam sprockets were in the proper position (after the movement), and the chain never came off the sprockets, I'd think the problem lies elsewhere.

[vinavichi]

No just the access covers so I can't see the marks. I'd like to avoid taking the timing cover off in that tight space. If I have to I'll pull engine to do that. My main mistake was that I forgot how the timing chain routed around the water pump so I thought I didn't have enough slack. That's what led to over cranking the engine... when I realized I had plenty of slack I thought oh crap..did I make it jump time? Ill try and check some other things first. Thanks for reply

[vinavichi]

So I now know the timing is likely off. Here's my next conundrum.. I've read the FSM for removing the timing chain set up. It calls for removal of the oil pan, valve covers and intake manifold among other things. My question is if I'm just trying to reset timing and not replace anything is it possible without removing valve covers , intake manifold and oil pan?

[maxhopper]

You have to remove the oil pan to access two bolts that hold the bottom side of the timing cover.

You may be able to get away with not removing the valve covers or intake manifold.

[vinavichi]

I see.. next question; with oil pan removed I will still need to hold that side of the motor up since I have to remove the upper passenger side motor mount...just put a jack and a block of wood on crankcase?

[maxhopper]

Yeah, that should work fine. There's not going to be a lot of movement with the other 3 mounts attached.

[vinavichi]

Ok awesome. Thanks for the help maxhopper! I hate that my first post on nicoclub is about how I f'ed up my car..hopefully all is well internally..