K so i accidently set my timing on the engine to a half tooth after instead of half tooth before. Would this cause any problems? its not that much off and i know of engines that can be a tooth or 2 off and still run fine.

The half tooth method is so that as the tensioner is set the slack is taken out and the crank rotates clockwise making all three timing marks spot on.

After tensioning, did you not rotate a couple times to verify the timing marks? If you did, and the cam gears matched while the crank gear lined up with the oil pump then you are good to go.

i think i did rotate it a couple times. i know the cams are lined up perfectly but the crank is still a half tooth off. i'm using one of the mechincal tensioners from PD.

I'm thinking you're probably still off. Generally, when you set it correctly, you can look at it and say. "yup that's it." If there is doubt then chances are you are off. If the timing components are already covered and belts are already on and the engine is in the car ready to start, I would start it up at that point. If you are only a 1 tooth off, it will start and run. But it will throw a code for timing and idle won't be great (or it won't rev all that great. Depending on the direction of the 1 tooth off). On a basic engine build, you won't destroy valves or anything if you are only 1 tooth off (and if you have correct timing, then you will be fine).

If the engine is sitting on the engine stand or you haven't covered the components yet, I would redo the timing just because access is so easy. You could even post a pic for us to look at if you want/can (be sure that the pic is a straight on as possible)

BUT!!! If you are in doubt about the timing being off more than a tooth, redo it regardless. That's a better safe than sorry situation.

k guys thanks i jsut redid the timing with the engine in the car and got it spot on this time (thank god). Now i cant get it to fire lol more problems