Can't Get Timing Right 3sfe

[jefe]

My timing mark is off after 2 clockwise rotations. The manual says to remove timing belt and re-install it.

Can you just pry the #1 idler pulley to the left and then slide the belt off the camshaft, or do you have to actually take off the crankshaft pulley, lower timing belt cover and remove the whole belt?

Also, how do you know which way to move the belt on the cam? After 6 clockwise rotations my crankshaft is to the right of 0 (negative 5?) when the matchmark on the camshaft is lined up with the hole in the camshaft pulley.



PS: My old belt broke, which is why I couldn't mark it to use for the new one.

[toyomoho]

Position the crank at 0 degrees and see where the cam pulley lines up. No need to remove the bottom cover, etc. Mark both belt and pulley to allow you to see where the belt/pulley was and where you need to move the pulley. Pry back the idler to release the tension and slide the belt off. Rotate the pulley either direction to get it back pulley realigned and reinstall belt, etc.

Sometimes when the tensioner is released the cam pulley will move resulting in the crank/cam pulley timing being off. At crank 0 degrees, see which way the pulley is off on timing, then compensate the next time when you install the belt. Most likely at worst you will be one tooth off, sometimes it takes a few tries to get it right.

Always rotate the crank two times CW and recheck.

There are a few previous threads at the end of this page on this subject.

If you get confused, the service manual link is below.

http://oregonstate.edu/~tongt/camry

[88 LE]

Originally Posted by jefe

Can you just pry the #1 idler pulley to the left and then slide the belt off the camshaft, or do you have to actually take off the crankshaft pulley, lower timing belt cover and remove the whole belt?

Theres a bolt and spring on the timing belt tensioner / idler pulley.

No, you don't have to remove the crank pulley and lower timing belt cover.

Also, how do you know which way to move the belt on the cam? After 6 clockwise rotations my crankshaft is to the right of 0 (negative 5?) when the matchmark on the camshaft is lined up with the hole in the camshaft pulley.

Moving the belt does absolutely nothing. You need to properly align the crank pulley and camgear.

Remove the belt from the camgear. Properly realign the crank pulley and camgear. Reinstall the belt and tighten the tensioner. Rotate crank clockwise from TDC to TDC (2 full turns / 720 degrees) and check alignment.

My old belt broke, which is why I couldn't mark it to use for the new one.

The marks are on the engine and they are the only marks you need.

[jefe]

I think I have gotten the timing belt installed properly...

Quick question:
The camshaft has 2 marks on it about 3/4" apart. The 1st mark, is a short line. The second mark is a small circle. I am pretty sure the line is the reference point for the camshaft. Can someone confirm this?

Thanks.

(so should the hole in the cam gear line up with the small notch on the bearing cap or should it line up with the small circle?)

[toyomoho]

Not sure about all the marks. The hole in the cam "gear" lines up with the notch in the bearing cap.

[timebuilder]

You will find that there is only one mark that is perpendicular to the parting line of the first cam bearing cap. That's the one.

[88 LE]

http://toyotanation.com/forum/t181317.html

^ 5S-FE, but its the same deal on a 3S-FE.

[jefe]

Thanks. I used the notch mark at 12 o'clock and it sounds fine.

Mission accomplished.

(In the pic 88LE posted you can just see the circle I was talking about on the bearing cap through the whole in the cam gear.)