(correct me if I'm wrong) Engine timing

Yo everybody hope everyones builds are going well. I am new here to hpi and I have browsed some of the courses provided. (Some great stuff btw I'm definitely a fan) But I noticed they are advertised for beginners. I have good understanding of engines(4stroke) and how they work but I do plan to start building engines myself and one thing I don't see advertised on these courses is engine timing and learning how set up and install timing belts/chains......maybe it's provided and I can't find it but I think this is one of the most crucial parts of engine building and would love to learn how to do it properly. Thanks guys.

Here are some webinars related to CAM timing (mostly on non variable valve timing engines)L

https://www.hpacademy.com/previous-webinars/108-vernier-adjustable-cam-timing/

https://www.hpacademy.com/previous-webinars/164-degreeing-a-camshaft-2/

https://www.hpacademy.com/previous-webinars/260-checking-piston-to-valve-clearance/

https://www.hpacademy.com/previous-webinars/175-how-to-find-true-tdc-top-dead-center/

https://www.hpacademy.com/previous-webinars/168-understanding-camshaft-specifications/

On more modern VVT engines, we typically just set them to the default factory specs, and adjust the timing in the ECU software. Lots of webinars on VVT.

As David said, there are good guides here for the general principles and some worked examples, and elsewhere if you have a specific engine in mind that isn't covered - do you have one specifically in mind?

But if you're asking at a more basic level, generally there will be markings on the crankshaft pulley and front cover for TDC - but if you're serious you will check this and correct it if needed as this has to be correct to set the camshaft timing(s) to, and on the camshaft(s) pulley or sprocket that has to be aligned.

Honda have differently coloured links that are aligned with sprocket marks, which is neat.

That said, a BIG problem with some more modern engines is they don't use a keyway, or pin, to align the various pulleys, but are set in position in the factory, during manufacture, with their bolts done up VERY tight. If this is the case, there are alignment tools available, or keyways can be broached in the correct alignment of the pulleys and shafts.

Forgot, for belt tension, there will usually be a factory guide, because engines are different, and there are specialist tools available for many engines to set it correctly.