Hey guys, I just pulled the engine and did the head gaskets on my EJ251 legacy wagon.  

 

As I was about to install my new timing belt, I realized that I am entirely unable to get the left side cam sprocket timing marks to line up! The repair manual and multiple internet resources show that the mark should be going pretty much straight up towards a notch in the rear timing cover. My cover happens to be chipped, but I can see where the notch used to be. 

 

For some reason, the cam sprocket just won't stay where it *should* be, the tension whips the cam far to either side of it (YES, my crank timing mark is lined up properly, all pistons are recessed, I didn't just destroy my valves).  

 

These are the closest places to the timing mark that the cam will rest. Timing hash on cam is indicated with red line.  Timing mark on timing cover is indicated with a yellow line. 

 

What is going on here?? I have read on multiple articles AND the manual that there should be no tension on cam when it is at proper point, this isn't some weird Audi that I should need special clamps for.   Thanks for the help!

Second image.

perhaps need to clamp it with aligator clips to help it stay in place

 

Also what helps is to remark the 3 sets of  corresponding timing marks (lined up) with twink / white out before removing old belt.

Drivers side cam is under tension. Its always tough to get it to stay. Use an end wrench, keep trying, it will stay if your gentle . Pass side cam  is not under tension so its the one you let roll up to the final mark as you bring the new belt into place.  

Use a wrench or breaker bar and turn slowly.

 

Don't fear bending valves. When the cam snaps over like that its because the valve springs are pushing back and the valves are closing.

Thanks guys, I'll try again in a few minutes.  For some reason I figured the valves were supposed to be closed while at the correct position, this thing is a little more complicated than my lawnmowers 

Yes it is a bit touchy when in the right position. I've found that wooden clothes pins are really handy to hold the belt in place whilst getting everything lined up. Of course it has to be bang on, there's no such thing a 'close', it's either right or it's off a tooth.

Well the timing belt is on, everything looked lined up, I turned the engine over like 5 times and it went smoothly.  Is it safe to say I did it right?

Do the timing marks on all three sprockets line up after rotating the engine?

Only need to turn the crank twice. If the marks line up its good to go.

+1^

Note the cam and crank marks.

The belt marks will not line up again.

 

O.

Yes, the marks all lined back up, was very surprised I got it right the first time. My normal half-assery is not compatible with engine work.

Thank you for the help, gentlemen.

yeah just double check the tensioner for excessive play and ALWAYS REPLACE THE 3 IDLER PULLEYS.  The cogged one is what fails and takes your valves out.

Yes, I replaced the water pump, all pulleys, and tensioner.  Somehow a water pump bolt hole stripped out at like 5 ft-lbs but a helicoil was a quick fix.

Now I know you are always supposed to replace valve cover gaskets after removal, but mine looked like new so I reused them.  Has anyone successfully reused these things before?

Yes , I reuse them all the time .