[s-cars] Suggested Modification to the Timing Belt R&R DIY

[David Forgie]

Previously, I had no garage when the timing belt needed R&R so I had it done.  This time 
a) I have a garage and b) I have the time (retired June 1).  I have been following Fred Munro's DIY
 (available as a pdf at S-cars.org).  I have also installed an RS2 exhaust cam, changed the turbo
 coolant hose (under the water manifold) and changed the crank sprocket.

The question is about the lower (metal) timing belt cover.  Fred suggests that you install the crank
 sprocket (and damper), the timing belt and the lower cover as one unit.  This can be accomplished 
by slining the crank sprocket (and damper) on the timing belt, with the lower cover sandwiched in
 there.  The problem is installing the 10 mm (head) bolts on the lower cover is *quite* difficult this
 way AND you cannot see the bottom of the cranksprocket and the timing belt to know for sure that
 the belt and the sprocket are still meshed properly.

My question/suggestion is what would be wrong about separating the damper from the crank
sprocket (which I already had done BTW), and installing the belt, the cover and the cranksprocket
 first (easier access to the cover bolts, good visual on the timing belt on the crank sprocket) and
 THEN installing the damper on the crank sprocket (it is "keyed" by a small dimple (but you could
 mark the position before hand)?  Seems like it would have been easier. 

Hope all is good with everyone.

Dave F.