5sfe timing questions

[94CamryNoob]

Hello guys I got a few questions. Ok 1st off I just bought a 94 Camry 4cyl. From a friend that snapped the timing belt while he was driving. I am going to attempt to replace the belt myself. I have read the two threads here on how to replace it n I feel fairly comfortable doing it. Very good post by the way!! Ok 1st Question, does #1 cylinder HAVE to be on TDC AT COMPRESSION? TRUE OR FALSE? Cause I've seen a little argument on whether it matters or not. OK 2ND question, I have talked to my boss at work about doing timing n he said that I would also have to adjust the distributor to fine tune the timing. True or false? CAuSE Once again I've seen on here that the 5sfe engine will automatically correct the timing itself. And I believe that's all the questions I have for right now. Any help,tips,suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[71Corolla]

#1 cylinder must be at TDC. There is no such thing as a compression/exhaust stroke if you are talking only about the pistons. Intake/exhaust timing is determined by the camshaft. Just line up the timing mark on the harmonic balancer to exactly zero, and you're set.

For ignition timing, take a look at the sticker under the hood, it tells you how to adjust the timing. You connect terminals TE1 and E1 of the data connector, and move the distributor to get the correct timing, 10 degrees in your case. So yes the timing does need to be adjusted.

edit- if you do not disturb the distributor it does not need to be adjusted, but it would not hurt to check it after doing the timing belt.

[94CamryNoob]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

#1 cylinder must be at TDC. There is no such thing as a compression/exhaust stroke if you are talking only about the pistons. Intake/exhaust timing is determined by the camshaft. Just line up the timing mark on the harmonic balancer to exactly zero, and you're set.

For ignition timing, take a look at the sticker under the hood, it tells you how to adjust the timing. You connect terminals TE1 and E1 of the data connector, and move the distributor to get the correct timing, 10 degrees in your case. So yes the timing does need to be adjusted.

edit- if you do not disturb the distributor it does not need to be adjusted, but it would not hurt to check it after doing the timing belt.

Thanks for the quick reply... I do not plan to disturb the distributor, unless thats a step that I missed in the other threads? And I know that it was just replaced a few months ago at the shop my friend took it to so it should be all set-up pretty good. Right? But I guess ill do some research on ignition timing so I can make sure.. But other than that if I'm comprehending everything right all I really have to is make sure my crankshaft and camshaft are lined up perfectly the way they should be and ill then be able to drive off into the sunset.

[71Corolla]

You don't need to touch the distributor at all, unless you plan on replacing the o-ring. Like you said, as long as your crank and camshaft marks line up perfectly, you're set there is no way to do it wrong assuming your marks line up.

[94CamryNoob]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with me. Ill be attempting this project next weekend if its not wet out (uugghh i'm so sick of rain). If I run into any problems ill be back. But lets hope not, keeping my fingers crossed.