thanks bruce and grumpy.
the first thing i suspected was the timing belt because the flywheel key and such was in good condition.
Ive got it apart now and cant find any timing marks on the crankshaft so i assume you set it at top dead center and like the cam marks with the top of the block.
As to timing chains i drive a 2.6L Mitsubishi Magna...about the worst chain tensioner system known to man. the counterbalance drive chain has jumped in the past and it vibrates like hell because the shafts are then out of sync. not a good thing considering the whole engine has to come out to replace the chain and sprockets.
thanks for the help
regards jay
