[slav]

Thank you all for your input on the matter.

Originally Posted by Stag>75

[...]part of the tool inserts into the front of the ecxhaust camshaft. If you want to guarantee alignment there is no other way than to use the special tool, here is no reference point that can be relied upon.

I know the front sprockets when unbolted can turn a bit on the camshaft.
The timing is done on the front and the tool is actually holding the camshaft itself, not the sprocket (when unbolted ofcourse). The small freedom of the sprocket rotation is used to fine tune the position of the sprocket in regard of the teeth of the tensioned belt and therefore the crankshaft.

The above leads to the conclusion that the timing - a correct positioning of the camshaft is done by the tool. The tool is rotating the cam to the correct angle and holding it there while you put on the belt. The different tool plates (2.0L, 2.5L, 2.5L 190) rotate and hold the camshaft to different angles.

The main question turns out to be: if a correct 190 tool plate is used, what is the position of the rear sprockets? Will they align? What if a wrong tool is used?

I'm sure this is true for standard 2.5L as Phil-T4 wrote, but is this also true for the 190 when the cam is rotated to the degree dictated by the tool?

If this will be confirmed it would mean, for all engine versions in perfect timing the marks on the rear sprockets align, and taking into account that the marks will align at only one specific camshaft angle, then it would seem that even when no tools were used and the mechanic simply checked the rear sprocket marks alignment, then the correct camshaft angle was set - no matter if it is a 2.0 or a 190.

Another question: I've read on this forum that "on the 190 the timing is different on the rear bank". What's that all about?