With crank on white mark


Before I tightened the cam caps this looked to be in time. Now I think my exhaust is off by one tooth. I buttoned everything up and it won’t start in the current state.

I’m going to disassemble, set the timing forward one tooth, and hope it starts.

One question before I proceed:
Do I need to loosen my valve adjustment nuts before torquing cam caps? If so, why?

I didn’t when assembling the first time. Is this poor practice? I checked clearances on 1 and 3 intake and exhaust and they were all within spec so I skipped 2 and 4.

(Based on the following from Mullallyman)
“Some people say to loosen the valve lash adjuster nuts/bolts but I prefer not to mainly because it saves you from having to do another valve lash adjustment. If not experienced with doing this just loosen the nut and back off the valve adjuster as you can damage part when putting it back together if not careful It will make putting the games back in a little bit more of a pain so if valve lash adjustments don't annoy you then loosen the little bolts/nuts. Regardless when putting back together I still check all my valve lashes(adjustments). A lot easier to tweak ones that are off than replace a valve seat.”

I didn’t encounter any problems during assembly but how would I know if I did something wrong?

2002 S2000 176k miles.

 

Yes that looks to be one tooth off.
If you don't back out the adjustments screws you risk snapping the cam caps when you are loosening them.
If you are really careful and loosen all the caps slow and evenly I guess it can be done without backing out the adjustment screws.
Either way you should check the clearances when you are done.

 

Turn the exhaust cam one tooth clockwise.

I pull cams and cams in and out without touching the adjusters, the valve adjustment will not be affected.

I do not recommend it unless you a very mechanically proficient, and can pull them all down with even pressure or the cam caps will break.

 

New cams pre-cam caps
Thanks for the tips. Advanced one tooth the teeth just don’t line up per the manual. Looks right according to others pictures though.

 

Perfect, guaranteed.

The white mark means nothing since the chain was not disturbed.

The two marks on the camwheel, level with the head, are what matters.