V6 camshaft timing information ('cause Toyota, Chilton's & Haynes don't explain it)

[Toysrme]

For anyone that has ever taken the camshafts out, or had to re time the camshafts, without the aid of sprockets. (As in the case of an ES 300, which have the sprockets, but no timing marks on the timing belt cover b/c that would "dirty the appearance")

The rear bank (right hand) containing cylinders 1-3-5 use the ONE dot on each cam gear. (they're on the driver's side) (you take them and align them together so they "touch" each other)
The front bank (left hand) containing cylinders 2-4-6 uses the TWO timing dots.
I just got asked that off forum & this is not common information. (It takes an highly experienced Toyota mechanic to know this one, and most don't)


What happens if you use the two dots like the manuals suggest? The distributor timing will be 180* off. This will also cause the 5vz-fe, and (#)MZ-FE family of v6's to not run b/c it will un-sync the camshaft/crankshaft sensors (and probably the newer ones as well, installed in Avalon's & upcoming GS, IS, SC)
3vz-fe and earlier engine's it will throw the distributor itself (which contains all cam/crank information) putting ignition in the opposite cylinder.

On both, it will also cause one set of cams to be off 180*. Very bad for non VZ block v6s.





Just thought I'd store this here for later reference. (I've seen it come up on another forum also)