Ignition timing

Howdy all ! (If anyone still reads this newsgroup.)

I have a Toyota 1992 Pickup V6 with a 3VZ-E engine. I have replaced the timing belt, various hoses and gaskets, water pump, etc., to fix a mysterious coolant leak. The leak appears to be gone, finally.

The engine starts quickly, and idles well, with a nice sound, but if I try to drive the vehicle there is very little power to the drive train. I assume this is due to some kind of ignition timing problem, but I have no idea if that is true. If it is true, then I have no idea how to fix the problem.

The repair manual told me that the timing mark should be ten degrees before top dead center (BTDC). I do not have a timing light. Even if I did, I have no idea how to adjust the timing. The instructions say:

"Loosen the hold?down bolt, and adjust by turning the distributor. Tighten the hold?down bolt, and recheck the ignition timing."

How do I find this "hold-down bolt?"

Reply to
Desertphile
Loading thread data ...

Sounds more like your cam timing is off one tooth. Reconfirm cam timing before touching ANYTHING ELSE.. That is all you touched - and it ran well before the repair. Timing off one way gives real smooth idle, good bottom end torque, and no top end at all. One tooth the other way gives really crappy idle, no balls at all down low, and go like a fiend at the top end.

Reply to
clare

Ah, thank you; I feared that is what I did. To install a new water pump I had to remove the timing belt. I used a 17mm wrench to rotate the crank shaft mark on "0" but I did not mark the belt at the two camshaft timing pulleys. Darn it! I think you are right: one or both cam shafts are off a tooth. Also, I had no idea tyhere is a timing belt tensioner: I just grabbed that puppy and pulled it off.

Heavy sigh. I will remove the radiator again, and the fan, and the fan bracket, and the timing belt cover.... and maybe I can find the old marks on the belt. ARGH!

Thank you again.

And since the vehicle is 22 years old, maybe I'll get a timing light anyhow....

Reply to
Desertphile

Guess you are aware of the burnt up valve problem on these? If not and you have it all apart check the valve clearance/shims, it might save you a head job. From (expensive) experience...JC

Reply to
JC

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.