LeX2K

You have to rotate the crank 720 degrees not 360 to verify camshaft timing, I corrected my post. And yes slack in the belt can make it look like you are off, rotating the crank gives the tensioner a chance to work and evens out the belt.

sadc

So in the FSM......it states that I could do this
[img]http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs049.snc6/167919_189629247722990_100000277477569_634797_4809955_n.jpg[img]
So what I can do is just set my Cam gears to TDC with the marking on timing cover number 3. And take off the timing belt and set the Crank gear to what the picture shows? And to make sure everything is done right. Upon putting everything back together. Line up the belt markings with timing cover number 2

LeX2K

Sounds like you got it. Set your crank pulley (harmonic balancer) so that notch points exactly at zero. Line up your camshafts, and install the belt. Rotate the crank 720 degrees, crank pulley again at zero. Check the camshafts. They should be right on.

And to answer your question, the 3VZ engine is non interference.

sadc

LeX2K

I'm confused. Do you have a new belt, or putting back the old one? The dot and mark shown in the pic you posted is if you have a new OEM or equivalent belt. If you don't, ignore that dot.

sadc

new belt..

LeX2K

If your belt has the marks/white lines on it, refer to my post here. It helps a great deal to put something on the camshafts to hold the belt in place while you are installing the idler pulley. I have some clips that were used in packaging, but use your imagination.

edit - I'll post a more clear version.

First, check the belt there should be an arrow that indicates belt direction. Or if not, then something indicating left and right camshaft. Line up the mark to the dot on the crank gear (which should be facing directly downwards). Run the belt around the tensioner bearing and water pump. Then put the belt on the camshafts. You may have to turn the cams a bit to get the marks on the belt to line up to the marks on the camshafts, that is perfectly fine. Once you have the belt installed and the marks match, put something on the cams to prevent the belt from slipping off. Then install the idler bearing. To do so, you will have to rotate the crankshaft a bit to give you some slack, or you will not be able to press the bearing down far enough to get the bolt on.

Once that is done, check your marks. You may have to rotate the crank somewhat. But as long as the marks on the belt match the marks on the cams and crank, you don't have to worry about the cams matching exactly to the engine plate (piece behind the cams). Now install your tensioner and the lower timing cover. Put the crank pulley on and rotate the engine 720 degrees. Check your timing, it should be exact.

BTW, be very careful not to put your finger inside the spokes of the cam gears. The tension of the valvetrain can cause the cams to suddenly rotate with considerable force!