99rs

I might be the only person that torques down timing cover bolts (75 in-lb by the way)


Slide cover and crank pulley back on and be happy crank hasn’t moved


Re-install the crank pulley holder tool


Install the new tensioner


While you’re at it measure the valve clearances. All of mine were in spec (barely)




Install a new vvti oil cap gasket

99rs

Clean the valve covers for re-installation


Use new gaskets




Clean the engine side really good especially around the corners




Everyone always gets in a dither about over torqueing the valve covers down. It’s not possible on these valve covers since you’d strip the aluminum threads longs before you crush the spacers on the bolt holes. What’s more important is the tightening sequence.

See spacers around bolt holes here


Put intake cover on


Realise your double nuts won’t work to get the valve cover studs back in so I had to go buy an E5 socket


Both valve covers on

99rs

After they’re on start on the spark plugs and coils


Clean them off




I didn’t want to spend $300 (CAD) on the coils so I’m happy they tested okay




The plugs came out pink for some reason. I use Shell 91 gas only. No extra additives




Put new plug wires on since they’re cheap

99rs

Change out the pressure control valve


Start hooking tubes back up and putting covers back on




The throttle body only opens half way with the mechanical linkage. The rest of it is opened by the electric motor when you hook up power to the car



Before installing the throttle body clean it out. I couldn’t believe how much crap was in there. I had a stumble at initial throttle when the engine was cold which has completely cleared up now. I’m guessing the dirt was the problem

99rs

Install new y-pipe gasket




Put accessory belt on. At first I cursed the dealership for selling me an aftermarket belt (Mitsuboshi). I then realised it also said Toyota on it. Double the price well spent…….NOT (Borat voice)

99rs

Then torque the crank pulley bolt to 243 ft-lb. Standard ˝” wrenches can do it. I made the same setup as removing the bolt just on the opposite side of the car. I never understood people’s fascinations of resting it against the frame rail where there are a bunch of wires and sensors. Just rest it on the ground people!








I pushed away from me which was a bit of a pain at the higher torque but still very manageable




Re-install the radiator and hoses. The bottom radiator mount was surprisingly in good condition


New hoses

99rs

Install them with the lines matching on the car side








Re-install the airbox and whatever the hell this sensor is




Re-install the air tube and you’re basically done

99rs

Block heater. The car didn’t have one so I bought the OEM kit from Toyota as mentioned in earlier posts. Fairly easy install except for that damn frost plug that pushed into the engine on me. I spent much time trying to get it out.




Frost plug goes sort of behind the water pump so very easy to do if you’re completing any of the above engine service


The black circle is what you want to hammer and chisel out


It is not the easily accessible one in plain view. That would be too easy. It’s the second one.


Le frost plug

99rs

Here is the gaping hole. I marred it up a bit so I’ll put some of The Right Stuff on the flange while trying to keep the grease only on the o-ring












There is decent cord clearance

99rs

I tied it off on the oxygen sensor wires and then ran it through the headlight hole




I’ll tie it off on the grill somewhere


My car was also due for a power steering flush. I cracked the lowest accessible line I could find. It doesn’t look like it but there was plenty of room with a simple 12 mm wrench to get this union off


I also took off the cooler and drained it to get the most amount of fluid out


The hoses look nice and accessible but they will cut the **** out of your arms reaching in there

99rs

Before I finished with the car I did a few other things. I had some nasty bumper holes in the front from the previous owner (BC car). I bought a vanity plate that matches the plate holder closely. Many people don’t like them but I think it looks better than the screw holes I had


Get some new screws…that you will never see






Depending on your level of **** make sure it’s level






I did the same for the rear

99rs

I installed my winter tires while I was at it and of course one was flat






Drop the car down and start it up






Put the air ram thing on and you’re done


Note the kilometers and put the timing belt sticker on.



Start it up and let it bubble