Crankshaft rotation without removing....

[sentra]

Do the spark plugs have to be removed when rotating the crankshaft and the camshaft sprockets to line up timing belt marks? I have read some sources stating it's necessary while other claiming that removal of spark plugs just makes the rotation easier.

Also, is a brand new water pump supposed to spin freely? I just bought an original new pump, and it doesn't spin freely. It's not too tight, however. Is it fine?

 

[spasm3]

Its going to be a lot easier to turn over with out the compression. yes take them out, otherwise you will not be able to position the crank where you want it.

 

[Rooy]

I agree on taking the plugs out.

New water pumps are not supposed to freewheel or anything. There should be some light resistance. Sounds like it's fine.

 

[Lethal1ty17]

take them out just to make it easier. water pumps wont spin like a pinwheel, but shouldnt grind either.

 

[sentra]

Thanks for the quick response, guys. I actually didn't take the spark plugs out, but i still managed to line up everything correctly. It was a little difficult, though.

The thought of removing the spark plugs came to me after i had finished the task. Yes, a rookie...

 

[mechtech2]

Of course you can leave the plugs in.

 

[Herz]

Not necessary, but makes life easyer. Glad to hear you got it done. I only remove cyl 1 spark when doing tbelts, also toss a long screwdriver in to make sure its at TDC.