Thanks: Replaced Timing Belt 99 Camry

[sabbates]

All-

Thanks to you guys, I replaced the timing belt on my 99 Camry.

Since the old belt had broken, I couldn't mark it and use it as a reference for the new one.

The car runs good, but I was wondering: If I was off by a tooth on the belt installation, would the car still run good?

Or is it more obvious if you put the belt on wrong?

Thanks

[71Corolla]

If the belt is one tooth (or more) out, the engine will idle somewhat normally, but it will have a lack of power, especially above 3000 rpm. Did you line up the marks correctly, then rotate the crank 720 degrees and check again?

[sabbates]

Yes, I rotated the crank 720 and it lined up again as it had before.

The problem is, it never lined up exactly in the first place. When the timing mark on the crank shaft pulley was exactly at 0° on the lower timing belt cover, the V mark was not exactly centered in the cam shaft hole. If I adjusted it a tooth either way, it would get worse, so I just left it.

Does it sound like I did something wrong?

I don't notice a lack of power at high RPM.

[carsrus]

Nope sounds good to me. If your off the v notch will not really even be inside the viewing hole.

1 tooth off is a lot. 2 teeth off and it wont really run.

[71Corolla]

Unless your timing belt is stretched or there is slack in the belt, the marks should line up exactly. Not slightly off, exact.