2001 Timing Belt Replacement

[Wrenchy]

My first post here. (2001 Avalon)
I have been working on my cars for 30+ years, and I have the Haynes Camry/Avalon manual. To say the obvious, the Haynes lumps so many procedures for timing belt/camgears/cam together the R/R of the timing-belt is somewhat unclear.

What is unclear is this- is it necessary to pull the #2 (bottom/crank) cover off to replace the timing-belt, or only the top cover (cam-gear cover)? VERY relevant as you realistically need to buy a $$$$ tool to pull the crank-bolt!

I am also getting ready to change the plugs and adjust the valves. A while back I stopped changing the plugs (due to time) due to the fact the Haynes manual "forgets" to mention the rear plug-wells are covered (crossed over) by a fuel-rail (if I remember right).

I backed off until the timing-belt change. It's obvious to me you would have to remove the rear fuel-rail to get the plugs out (thanks, Haynes!), unless anyone has a "super-duper" socket setup?? 30+ years changing plugs, I don't see how you could get in there-

I may still have to pull the rail due to the fact I need to hook up a compression gauge to set top-dead for the belt change, but any suggestions? THANKS- Wrenchy

[toyomoho]

Do a TN Camry history search on changing the rear V6 plugs and removing the crank bolt and pulley. Many members have come up with methods and tools to do both jobs.

An impact wrench will remove the bolt. The pulley has a couple of bolt holes you can use to attach some kind of home made fixture to hold the pulley when tightening the bolt. You can also use a strap wrench. To pull of the pulley you will need a bolt on puller. Purchased one for under $10 at a cheap tool store, works fine.

The valve clearance may be set with shims this makes the job more difficult.

Download the Camry V6 (an engine option) service engine info from the link below; the two cars use the same engine.

http://www.camrymanuals.com/

[Qslim]

Originally Posted by Wrenchy

My first post here. (2001 Avalon)
I have been working on my cars for 30+ years, and I have the Haynes Camry/Avalon manual. To say the obvious, the Haynes lumps so many procedures for timing belt/camgears/cam together the R/R of the timing-belt is somewhat unclear.

What is unclear is this- is it necessary to pull the #2 (bottom/crank) cover off to replace the timing-belt, or only the top cover (cam-gear cover)? VERY relevant as you realistically need to buy a $$$$ tool to pull the crank-bolt!

I am also getting ready to change the plugs and adjust the valves. A while back I stopped changing the plugs (due to time) due to the fact the Haynes manual "forgets" to mention the rear plug-wells are covered (crossed over) by a fuel-rail (if I remember right).

I backed off until the timing-belt change. It's obvious to me you would have to remove the rear fuel-rail to get the plugs out (thanks, Haynes!), unless anyone has a "super-duper" socket setup?? 30+ years changing plugs, I don't see how you could get in there-

I may still have to pull the rail due to the fact I need to hook up a compression gauge to set top-dead for the belt change, but any suggestions? THANKS- Wrenchy

The crank pulley definitely has to come off, you have to get to the crankshaft timing sprocket.

Valve adjustment generally isn't necessary on your engine unless you are having problems. The valve clearance is set via shims instead of rocker arms, so they rarely need service.

The fuel rail doesn't go over the rear plugs. I've always managed to get it done with a socket, ratchet, and 3" extension. I did a detailed write up on it a while back, do a search.

I've never heard of someone using a compression gauge to set TDC, that doesn't even make sense. Use the marks on the crankshaft pulley.