3813 timing

[turbocajun]

My starter recently went belly up. In order to remove it, I had to practically disassemble the whole tractor!! Well when I removed the timing belt cover, I had discovered that mice had eaten half through the timing belt. Finally the question, my manual shows two identical sets of timing marks on the cam sprocket. Does it matter which set of timing marks is aligned? Thanks in advance for any help. Any idea for a source for a starter, other than Plano Power or the dealer?

[Mickey]

Don't know about your engine but where are the 2 timing marks located with respect to one another, close by or opp?

With piston DTC both valves should be closed and have a litle play between the valve and cam or rocker. Maybe that will help in choosing which mark to use.

Oh, just noticed this is your first post.

:Welcome1: Hope you become a regular.

[turbocajun]

Thanks for the reply Mickey. The timing marks are directly opposite and identical on the cam sproket. As I said previously, the shop manual shows them both, so I assume (danger, danger) that it does not matter which one I use. I am so deep into this tractor(disassembly wise) that I do not want to use the "educated guess"method. It is highly unusual for a factory shop manual to leave one hanging like this, but this is the case.
I have a bit of time as I need to get the starter rebuilt, so hopefully someone who has replaced a timing belt on one of these can chime in and let me know their experience. I will try the local Honda repair shop also. This is a 1985 model so hopefully they will have had some experience with one of these.

[Mickey]

With the timing marks opp each other, I'd think you could use either one. Do a test assy, head and gasket in place but not torqued down. Turn engine over by hand and with piston at TDC, valves should be either fully closed or one or both partially open. Just need to watch and make sure piston and valves don't come in contact.

[turbocajun]

Thanks for your help Mickey. I will do a test assembly and see what happens.

[turbocajun]

All: After speaking to the smartest man I personally know (Mickey excluded as I do not know him) he suggested I contact the service folks at Plano Power. Per his suggestion I spoke to them and they told me, after I stupidly asked if they had ever worked on a Honda 3813 engine and received the response," only several hundred" , that I could use either set of timing marks on the camshaft sproket as the cam turns twice for every engine revolution. Problem solved and the nagging feeling that I screwed up is now gone. Well most of the nagging feeling, I do not have it together and started yet . Thanks to Mickey for all of his assistance.

P.S. If anyone needs a Honda started repaired I had mine done in one working day at a local starter and alternator repair shop. E-mail me at fulbrightdave@yahoo.com and I will pass on his contact information.