Timing belt alignment problem

[Kurt W. Deschler]

I am currently stuck at the end of my timing belt/waterpump/idler
replacement project. I read that the procedure is to set the crank at TDC
using the 0 mark on the flywheel then line up the dot on the back of the
cam pulley with the valve cover surface. The problem is that the dot is
never in line with this surface. It is either half a tooth above or below.
I can't decide which setting is more correct. Furthermore, the distributor
mark is lined up only when the cam pulley dot is 1.5 teeth above the valve
cover surface. The anti-tampering plate is still on the distributor. Is it
possible that the belt has been off a tooth its whole life or is the
anti-tampering plate ever reinstalled? I don't know the history of the
engine, but I assume that the timing belt and water pump were replaced at
least once judging by their condition at the current 138k. Experts please
help.

	Kurt Deschler
	'87 5kcstq