Hello Everyone. I have a 1998 LS400. This is my first project car and it's a learning experience so far and I just had one of my biggest oopsies.
Today during disassembling my engine for a water pump removal. I forgot to mark the pulleys and to put it to TDC. I have only taken apart; crankshaft pulley, LH camshaft pulley, driver belt 1&2.
Wondering if it's possible to re-allign these pulleys again?

 

Critical question...did you already try rotating the crankshaft or camshafts? If not, it may be possible to install the belt and not have piston/valve interference. At least the rotating assembly can be put back "close enough" to get the marks re-aligned.

Worst case, the recovery process to get the marks aligned if there is interference is the EXPENSE - in time and money. Believe me, I recently had the cams out of my '98 and there is so many pinche little parts that require replacement, or parts that should be replaced since the cylinder heads are torn down.

You've come this far, you might as well install a timing belt kit as well.

I've attached relevant sections of the Lexus service manual. You'll need to cherry pick specific steps but it should get you an idea (and nightmares) of what you're up against. The good thing is you don't have to remove the heads.

Hope this helps.

 

The pulleys are keyed and will only install one way.

Reinstall crank and cam pulleys then reinstall Timing Belt. Use crank bolt to spin crank pulley clockwise to tdc, all timing marks should line up. Unless you are replacing cam seals there is no need to remove cam pulleys. You can Not mess the timing up on this interference engine.

I recommend getting your hands on a factory repair manual or using the online TIS system for info on repairs.