Timing problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

MN-Corolla · 02-22-2005, 02:35 PM

Hi all,
I'am new to Corollas and Toyotas in general. I have a 1994 Corolla 1.8L DOHC 5 spd. We got it for $250. Here is the problem. The head gasket was blown and we received the car with the head and cams removed. I'am pretty mechanically inclined. I do performance work to Jeep I-6 4.0's all the time. But toyotas are new to me.

I have the new gaskets kit and I'am ready to reassmeble the engine. What is the best way to put this back together to get the timing right??

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Brian

Flashmn · 02-22-2005, 02:53 PM

Set the engine to TDC and then start from there. then get a timing light and set the timing advance.

MN-Corolla · 02-22-2005, 03:03 PM

I hear you on TDC. But what about the cams. I dont see any marks to know what is correct way to install them.
Is there a certain way the cams must go in? I see a diagram in the Chiltons manual, but I'am not sure if it is for my engine.
Mine is the FI 1.8l DOHC.
Does it require a timing light? I'am guessing the advance must be on the Distributor?

Thanks again

Brian

Pineapple · 02-22-2005, 03:45 PM

First you need to match the cam gear. Follow the manual on matching the marks on the gear. After that, put cam pulley back on. There is a small hole on the pulley and it should be at top when engine is at TDC.

MN-Corolla · 02-22-2005, 10:19 PM

Ok, I talked to my buddy tonight. It turns out it is a 1.6l DOHC. I misheard him on the phone. Does this make any difference?

Brian

***Tercel GTS*** · 02-22-2005, 11:34 PM

no

TekPhobia · 02-23-2005, 06:59 PM

I only hope there's a M8x1.25 bolt in the intake cam gear. The DOHC setup is achieved using a slave cam setup. You've got the main gear, on the intake cam, and a sub-gear to reduce backlash. If there isn't a bolt holding them together when you remove the cams, the dimples will be off when you re-assemble the motor. Don't worry, the motor is non-interference.

I'd recommend getting a Haynes/Chilton for re-assembly.

-Tim

MN-Corolla · 02-24-2005, 12:06 AM

I did not see any bolt. How do I go about fixing this problem?

I have a chiltons book. But I was looking for a little extra insight.

Brian

TekPhobia · 02-24-2005, 12:27 AM

It's a PITA, but you're gonna have to hold the main gear steady and rotate the sub-gear and you'll see the threaded holes line up. Then, just thread in a bolt and voila.

-Tim

MN-Corolla · 02-26-2005, 06:49 AM

Well, we got it started. Not nearly as hard as I thought. Started her up and tuned the timing a bit and it runs like a charm. Problem is it was missing the bolts holding some of the cooling lines on. Currently it does not have coolent so I cant run it for more than a few minutes at a time. I will be making a run to the U-Pull today to see if I can find them.

Is there anything I should be on the look for? I'am watching for leaks, and I noticed the stock exhaust manifold has a huge crack in it. Any good places to get a new one.

Anyways, thanks for the help.

Brian

fredk · 02-26-2005, 09:20 PM

get a manifold and the head studs too