o_man_76

I've begun the tedious task of replacing the head gasket. As I removed the intake manifold and headers, I could see the coolant that had made it's way through. Anyhow, I'm at the point of removing the timing belt and set the cylinder to TDC/compression. My concern is that the timing marks on the camshaft timing pulleys aren't precisely aligned with the timing marks on the No.4 timing belt cover. They are slightly off by about a tooth. Is this okay and should I proceed with the removal of the belt? The car ran fine prior to the car overheating. It has a little over 145,000 miles.

GWELEX

I've never replaced a timing belt on a Lexus but I have replaced many on other engines and my experience has been those marks should line up. My first thought would be: I am positive that I'm at TDC? My suggestion is to get an official manual or talk with the lead mechanic at your local Lexus dealership. One tooth off can really screw things up. There's always the possibility that you may find out this is how the marks line up, but confirm it before you go any further. Sorry I can't help out more.

o_man_76

I took a picture of what I believe to have set the engine to TDC. The white arrows indicate the timing marks in alignment according to the manual. What do you guys think?



Not sure if the pics will show, so here is the direct link to see pictures.
http://cid-387b3306a02a4f02.spaces.live.com/?lc=1033

TLW

Nothing more to say than good luck. this is one of the projects I FEEL that CL members should go to a dealer for. there is too much to risk

GWELEX

According to your drawing you have everything lined up. I'm with TLW, when it comes time to have mine replaced I'm going with the dealer, I've read several horror stories here that left owners with a bent up valve train and no recourse.

ta1972

iTrader: (1)

Get everything lined up and spin the crank a couple of revs and see if the timing marks line up on both cam and crank. If the marks don't line up,then take off the belt and do it over until it does.

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

2 crank rotations = 1 cam rotation

try not to rotate anything, and if you have to, only in clockwise.