[jsdecker10]

Just finished up my timing belt job and now the compression is low across the board. Im pretty sure I set the timing correctly. The cam gear is set with the hole in the gear lined up with the V notch and the crank pulley was lined up with the notch on the pulley lined up with the 0 mark on the cover at TDC. Oh and btw this is a 97 Camry 4 cyl..I don't understand what's going on with the compression...my battery isn't in all that great of shape but I don't think that's the issue..i'm getting like 60, 90 90 60. Before I started removing stuff off the car for this job, I checked the compression and it was 180, 190, 190, 180...if I can remember correctly. I didn't remove the head during installation, so I know the bolts are good and tight still.

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[Chaditotx]

Sounds like your valve timing is off. Re-check marks on cam sprocket and harmonic balancer.

 

[jsdecker10]

Thanks for your reply.. I'm positive I had the marks lined up correctly..I will double check though

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[Chaditotx]

No problem... I say 99.999 percent for sure it is off or may have slipped. The one on the cam is kinda hard to see. I think I used a small nail to "feel" for the hole. If your cam timing is off, the exhaust valve may be open partially on pistons compression stroke, letting out some of the compression before your piston reaches top of stroke. You them have less air to compress=less compression psi. Kinda like using a bicycle pump and only letting it come half way up before you depress it again. My guess is that it wouldn't start, or has no power?

 

[chuckoff]

After setting up the belt it is always a good idea to rotate the engine tow turns to make sure the marks still line up. It is possible to have too much slack and the belt jump a tooth.

 

[jsdecker10]

Good thing you mentioned that cuz I actually had to rotate the crank 8 full turns to get the marks to line back up...is that a problem?

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[BMR]

Good thing you mentioned that cuz I actually had to rotate the crank 8 full turns to get the marks to line back up...is that a problem?

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Nope. It's normal. As long as they line up again eventually, you've got it right.

 

[jsdecker10]

Then what else could be the problem?? Weak battery?

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[BMR]

When you first did the compression test and it was OK, was the engine warm?... and now it's cold? Cold engine compression test results don't mean much.

 

[Jason.MZW20]

Those look like cold engine compression test numbers.

 

[jsdecker10]

Both times cold

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[BMR]

Could be the second time there was less oil in the cylinder bores to get a good seal? Try putting a teaspoon or so of oil down each spark plug hole and retest.

Something isn't clear to me... Is the problem that it won't start?... and you're trying to figure out why? Or did you do the second compression test before buttoning it back up just to be sure the belt's on correctly?

 

[jsdecker10]

Well I double and triple checked the belt before I ran the second compression check...its correct, I know it is. Right now its not running yet because I have new plugs and wires on order so I can't technically see if its running yet.

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[BMR]

Ah, OK, gotcha. I wouldn't worry too much about the compression numbers. And it sounds to me like you've got the timing belt on correctly. Get the new plugs/wires in there and she oughta start.

 

[JohnGD]

Hmmm, I would double check the marks on the pulley/sprocket and the backing plate again. Because the marks are supposed to line up every 2 crank revolutions.

I think the reason it took 8 full turns is because the marks are off, and it takes 8 turns to align back up.

One TN member suggested taking off the spark plugs so the belt is less likely to jump teeth.

Good thing you mentioned that cuz I actually had to rotate the crank 8 full turns to get the marks to line back up...is that a problem?

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[jsdecker10]

Well I just poured one cap full of royal purple oil in each plug hole and on a battery that is struggling for life lol tried doing a compression check after that and the numbers were about 120, 120, 120, 120 on a cold engine that hadn't been started in almost 2 Weeks. I feel sooooo much better now about this!!!

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[jsdecker10]

Well I just poured one cap full of royal purple oil in each plug hole and on a battery that is struggling for life lol tried doing a compression check after that and the numbers were about 120, 120, 120, 120 on a cold engine that hadn't been started in almost 2 Weeks. I feel sooooo much better now about this!!!

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Oh yea and to elaborate on all this, I still haven't put the plugs or wires in it yet to actually see if its gonna run

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[Chaditotx]

Good deal! When you re-installed tensioner, did you use a new spring? I know on 2001 5sfe, The spring I bought from dealer was different from the old one! (Shorter). Seems they had problems with the weaker spring, and updated the part accordingly. Not sure if yours is the same case or not, but likely. Keeps more tension on the belt for adjustment.

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[jsdecker10]

Good deal! When you re-installed tensioner, did you use a new spring? I know on 2001 5sfe, The spring I bought from dealer was different from the old one! (Shorter). Seems they had problems with the weaker spring, and updated the part accordingly. Not sure if yours is the same case or not, but likely. Keeps more tension on the belt for adjustment.

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No,I used the existing spring. This is the first time i've done a timing belt job for this specific cat so I really dunno if its a factory spring or if its already been replaced before, but it seems to be in good shape still.

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[davidlongway]

timing belt

I will do my timing belt and water pump replacement tomorrow for my 99 4cycl. How long did it take u to do this job? This is my first time too. Do u have any advice can you let me know? thank you