im Doing a headgasket on my 03 evo 8. and i didnt buy the tool so im doing it the hard way. i got it apart and noticed someone has removed the balance shafts, and done a timing belt at some time..
i noticed the gear on the oil pump wasnt lined up with the mark. and i tryed the bolt int he plug alignment and the pulley just spins and doesnt catch. i have a 10mm bolt thats like 2-1/2" long and not sure if it has someething to do with the removel of the balance shafts. Or maybe my bolt is too small..
Anyone have a idea?

 

if the balance shafts are removed that timing mark does not need to line up.

 

Yup, the timing mark on the oil pump is completely irrelevant if there are no balance shafts. All you have to do is make the crank and cam marks line up.

 

sweet, thanks for the info