Sounds like you didn't get it to TDC.

The mark that you need to align is on the BACK of the cam pulley. It lines up
with the top edge of the valve cover gasket. Of course the cam pulley is removed
now so not sure how you can check it. At TDC all the lobes should be off the
lifters.

Or your timing belt was off a few teeth before you started.

Tony
'91 100q 5 spd
(fourth T44)

Kirk S. wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm replacing the lifters on my 86 5000 and am having lots of trouble with
> the camshaft bearing caps. If I follow the manual, there is no way that I
> can put the caps back on. The procedure as I understand it is as follows:
>
> a) place engine at TDC; marks on camshaft pulley and crankshaft
> b) loosen caps 2 & 4 diagonally
> c) remove caps 2 & 4
> d) loosen caps 1 & 3 diagonally
> e) remove caps 1 & 3
>
> The manual calls for reinstalling in the same order. The problem is that
> there is no way to install cap 4 with the lobes pushing on the lifters.
>
> What am I doing wrong? Should I install in the reverse order? That would
> make sense to me.
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Kirk S.
>
>