User 8521

So after replacing the VVTI solenoid/connector my P1346 came back after almost 10 miles. Freeze frame data showed a 5° advance, verified advance on the #4 cover and belt had 2 small tears. Just got the car last month with 317,000 miles. Haven't done a timing belt in eons, can I just rotate balancer to "0°" with cam gears at TDC mark? Thanks

TrueGS300

Ya basically. The alignment marks are "up" like most cars with the indicators on the cover and the notches on the sprockets. The VVTi sprocket is the one difference. It will be able to rotate 30 degrees left when you have it lined up.

From what I read and what worked for me. You move the sprocket so that in a normal clockwise motion you line up the mark. Then you can turn the gear easily by hand back 30 degrees and forward to the alignment mark. Once you have it to where you can rotate the sprocket back and forward and not pass the alignment mark, you're good. Watch videos on youtube. there are a few.

User 8521

Thanks. I actually found one vid with a guy addressing a 10° advance on the harmonic balancer while Cam TDC was apparent. But he left it alone, so here I am. And just to refresh, I am looking for piston TDC on the compression cycle?