3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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I am installing the timing belt on my 97 camry 4 cyl. The alldata tells me after I align the timing marks, put the no 1 cylinder 45 Degree BTDC by turning the crank shaft 1 7/8 turn and align the mark thats located on the no 1 timing cover and then tighten the tensioner or the no1 pulley. I did exactly this, but the belt is now loose. Is it supposed to be like that or did I do something wrong? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Belt shouldn't be loose. With the 14mm bolt that anchors the tensioner a bit loose, you need to tighten the tensioner by prying / pushing up so that the belt is tight, and then tighten down the 14mm bolt that holds the tensioner in place. All without messing with your alignment marks
The Following User Says Thank You to hill8570 For This Useful Post:
AllData is cool. Haynes work too. Yes, do follow it to the letter.
Did it jump a tooth during the process? It's easy to do that. These manual tensioners really stink. No, the belt should not be loose. Try it a couple more times. If done right you don't have to pry on the tensioner and you should end up with a quieter and slightly more powerful engine after getting rid of the stretched belt.
I appreciate both of your guys help. I tried prying on the tensioner and i even tried redoing the alignment process a couple of times, but it is still loose. when I put the engine at tdc and line up the timing marks the belt is tight, then when i put it at 45 degrees btdc the belt is loose. Can I get away with just tightening the tensioner at tdc?
Was the tensioner allowed to move as you turn the crank? As the new belt seats and the tensioner moves it should pick up the slack. I've give it 4 full turns while making sure the marks are aligned and the belt hasn't jumped teeth. Now, it's easy for the belt to jump teeth during this, but take you time and do it slowly.
Again, a properly done timing job should give you a smoother, quieter engine (with new belt and pulleys) and slightly more power over the stretched old belt.
No, I wouldn't just button it up. It'll be noisier and the belt is not likely to last as long. That's not what you want after all the work. Like I said, this manual tensioner really stinks. But it's something the installer needs to deal with. So don't take short cuts after all this work.
On your second time around you should be able to do this in about 30 minutes. No kidding.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rammy
I appreciate both of your guys help. I tried prying on the tensioner and i even tried redoing the alignment process a couple of times, but it is still loose. when I put the engine at tdc and line up the timing marks the belt is tight, then when i put it at 45 degrees btdc the belt is loose. Can I get away with just tightening the tensioner at tdc?
Ok, Thanks alot. Belt was tighter after I gave it a couple of rounds. I tightened the tensioner. I double checked the timing marks and they are aligned. The only thing I noticed was that the tension on the belt varied as I turned the crank. At tdc it is real tight and btdc is not loose nor is it tight as it was on tdc, more like in the middle. Shouldnt the tensioner keep the belt at the same tension?
Shouldnt the tensioner keep the belt at the same tension?
Yes. But do the timing marks align? How are you turning the belt - crankshaft bolt? You may have to move the cam sprocket(s) one tooth or so so that when you take up the tension the marks align with the crank pulley marks. This will help with getting tension right.
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1995 Camry Wagon LE. 2.2 4cyl, 5S-FE, Auto, 187K
I think it has to do with the valve spring pressures. Yes, it will seem to vary a little bit, but should always remain taut, as AllData mentioned. It should never be "loose" or even give you the impression that it is.
By following the instructions to the letter you'll ensure the timing belt is properly tensioned. You certainly don't want to over tension and cause it to stretch and fail.
If in doubt, I personally would do 4 revolutions (instead of 2), and actually retension it again according to procedure. In the very end give it 4 more revolutions and make sure the marks line up before you button it up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rammy
Ok, Thanks alot. Belt was tighter after I gave it a couple of rounds. I tightened the tensioner. I double checked the timing marks and they are aligned. The only thing I noticed was that the tension on the belt varied as I turned the crank. At tdc it is real tight and btdc is not loose nor is it tight as it was on tdc, more like in the middle. Shouldnt the tensioner keep the belt at the same tension?
you know, I think the tensioner spring is bad. I can't think of what else that could be wrong. I did the tensioning procedure so many times and yet there is still some play in the belt.
Finally Success! Thank God...The problem was with alldata. Alldata states that you must loosen the tensioner bolt half a turn and proceed to timing procedure but I went over to toyota dealership to pick up the spring and I told them my problem and surprisingly enough he had offered me advice. His advice was to tighten the tensioner bolt then proceed with the timing procedure, after all is said and done you loosen the tensioner bolt and then tighten it.
Just incase someone else is using alldata to repair timing belt for the 97 camry.
Looks like you pick up a nice free tip from the dealer.
However, the AllData method is the Toyota standard procedure. It does work. Of course, with all the recent problems Toyota is facing, maybe they don't know what they're talking about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rammy
Finally Success! Thank God...The problem was with alldata. Alldata states that you must loosen the tensioner bolt half a turn and proceed to timing procedure but I went over to toyota dealership to pick up the spring and I told them my problem and surprisingly enough he had offered me advice. His advice was to tighten the tensioner bolt then proceed with the timing procedure, after all is said and done you loosen the tensioner bolt and then tighten it.
Just incase someone else is using alldata to repair timing belt for the 97 camry.
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