MR2turbo

I'm replacing the timing belt on my '00 LS400. I lined up the markings, then turned the crank 50 degrees as per manual. I still managed to move the drivers side cam when putting on the new belt.

I then tried moving the cam back by putting a socket on the pictured bolt and turning it counter clockwise. The bolt became lose and I managed to turn the cam using a different method. After putting on the new belt, pulleys, etc, I tried tightening the bolt on the drivers side cam again. I didn't apply a lot of force, but I all of the sudden heard a grinding or crackling sound. I didn't strip the threads. I'm worried that I've screwed up something inside the VVTi actuator unit. Is that even possible by tightening the pictured bolt? Please help.

Thanks in advance!

aptoslexus

I went through the same routine when I did my belt two weeks ago. No cracking sound though. I'm not sure that bolt serves any purpose other than to provide a method of moving the cams by hand. The manual doesn't even provide a torque setting for them. Are you sure it wasn't the bolt itself that made the cracking sound?

MR2turbo

Thanks for your reply. I removed the bolt later and found out that it's just a cover. I'm still not sure what made the sound. I can't see how it could've moved anything inside but i wanted to double check with someone who knows for sure.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

That cover comes loose easily. The torque is something like 12. I doubt you screwed anything up. Why don't you just rotate the crank 2 to 4 revolutions to make sure your timing is intact?

MR2turbo

I turned the crank a few times. All marks line up perfectly. I was worried that something inside the VVT unit was turned while tightening the bolt.

Tom57

As long as the timing marks match, you're fine. As mentioned, rotate manually the entire crank/cams assembly with belt on through several revolutions to test for any valve clearance issue.

MR2turbo

Well something must've turned inside the VVTi unit. I tried starting the engine today, I heard a clunk while cranking. Did a compression check only to discoer that I don't have any compression at all on the driver's side bank. #$@$!

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

The problem that I see is that you tightened the bolt cover with the belt on and the cam moved in the process. This most likely made the other cam and crank move also since the belt was on. I doubt you damaged anything in the VVT-i unit since it was not taken apart. hopefully you did not bend a valve by bringing it into contact with a piston.

aptoslexus

I've also had a hard time understanding how the VVT-i unit would be damaged by turning that bolt.
Sorry you're having this problem.

MR2turbo

I made sure the marks all line up perfectly. I cranked the engine a few times manually with a ratchet. Everything seemed in order. Yet when i cranked the engine using the starter it seemed like something slipped. I'm pretty sure the piston and the valves made contact because i got no compression in at least 2 cylinders (didnt bother checking more).