93 Camry, 4cyl problem while replacing timing belt ???

A 1993 Toyota Camry water pump went out ... When we got into it, the timing belt was obviously bad also. After replacing seals, idlers, etc and in the process of putting it back togther, we found that we cannot not get the engine to turn to TDC from either direction ... something is obviously blocking it. We were told that the engine is non-interfering ??? The position of the valve cams does not seem to correct the situation.

Reply to
BobC
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try removing plugs, you could be working against compression of pistons when rotating crankshaft. May need a larger wrench with extension bar! also verify rotor is pointing at plug 1 when TDB marker is at 0 deg maker. Consider changing out thermostat while in that area and check water hoses. Some belts have marks on the belt to help align with the camshaft and crankshaft markers.

Reply to
jjjsan

We pulled the plugs ... cannot get to TDC. It feel like it us hitting something.

jjjsan wrote:

Reply to
BobC

use a boroscope to look inside each cylinder.

Reply to
Clay

Did the engine overheat due to water pump problem? Could have a seized engine.

Reply to
jjjsan

What I suspect is that this is an interfering engine. Sometimes a non-interfering engine becomes an interfering engine with carbon buildup on top of the pistons and the bottom of the valves.

It takes very little pressure to bend a valve in a situation like that. You have to stop the engine at top dead center and NOT MOVE ANYTHING until you have the new timing belt on.

I suggest removing the head. The engine should then turn freely. Most likely, a valve is bent and won't retract. You could also examine the valve clearance to see if one will not return to the closed position.

That's my best guess based on the description of the problem.

Reply to
larrybum

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