Cam Gear Timing Marks - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ucicare · 11-28-2005, 01:53 PM

Yes, I really messed up. Please help!

I removed both of the cam shafts for no good reason in a 97 Camry (4 cylinder.) (Don't ask me why I did it, new tool kit I guess). When I tried to replace them, I found that they have several timing marks on each gear.

Which ones are the right one to align?

I have assumed that the two small single dots that align when rotated are right, but I am a little scared to fire it up.

Every thing I read says that this engine is a non interference (valves) engine. Yet when I turn it by hand, It locks up. Moving the valve one click lets it keep moving. Could I have a carbon buildup on a valve? Is this really an interference engine?

The engine turns freely (with the starter) with both cams removed, so I feel that nothing is hanging down right now. Compression is good too.

Any wisdom?

Barry

Cyorke · 11-28-2005, 03:06 PM

use this link to see if it will help you out. it is the repair manual for a 92-96 camry but they use the same 5SFE engine that is in yours. You will want to look at eg1.pdf. Hope this helps.

foompla · 11-28-2005, 04:18 PM

the cams might not be seated correctly.

ucicare · 11-28-2005, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foompla

the cams might not be seated correctly.

what I really need to know is which of the dots on the gears are the timing marks.

The cam gears (two small ones, not the one big one) have several marks on them. Which is which?

Barry

ucicare · 11-28-2005, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyorke

use this link to see if it will help you out. it is the repair manual for a 92-96 camry but they use the same 5SFE engine that is in yours. You will want to look at eg1.pdf. Hope this helps.

Link?

Barry

ucicare · 11-28-2005, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyorke

use this link to see if it will help you out. it is the repair manual for a 92-96 camry but they use the same 5SFE engine that is in yours. You will want to look at eg1.pdf. Hope this helps.

Hey, I found the site by searching for the pdf file. Awesome! It has a clear picture and explaination.

Thanks!

I'll let you know if it ever runs again. Bets are running 50/50 at this point.

Barry