1991 TR Elite (4 Cyl/EFI)

I currently have my rocker gear and camshaft off because I'm changing my distributor. The problem is that the crankshaft pully doesn't have the white spot to line up with the T to indicate TDC. :confused: On painful close inspection there does appear to be a notch/bite out of the inside rim of the pulley so I'm guessing that must be the timing mark.

Trouble is, whilst the the camshaft sprocket is in the 12 o'clock position, the timing mark doesn't line up. Does this mean the chain was incorrectly installed at some stage?

If so, can anyone give me some advice on how to fix it? I can't detect which links were originally the shiny ones either:cry: I really don't want to drop the motor but I'm starting to think I will have to - groan.... Guess I'm hoping someone has a brilliant suggestion to save me some work :D

I also have to change my drive belt (crankshaft pulley to alternator) - do I have to remove the aircon pump to do that? Can't see how to fit it through otherwise.:redface:

The less I have to remove the better, I'm no mechanic - just relying on common sense and lots of research. Really hope someone can solve my dilemmas!

Thanks heaps...

as you have stated, the notch on the harmonic balancer is the timing mark. so you'll want that at T

the sprocket should have the dowel hole (this is near the bolt/drive gear on the camshaft) at 12 oclock. the smaller mark (next to the chain on the sprocket) is to get the chain timing right. when the engine is a cyl1 TDC, that timing mark is actually at 3 oclock (dowel is at 12oclock)

after market timing chains sometimes dont have bright links. not that you have to, but if you ever take the chain off, mark it with liquid paper, nail polish, etc

you shouldnt have to remove your camshaft or rocker gear to get your distributor out.

as for the aircon belt, there is a idler pulley that you have to loosen off and the belt should just come off no problems.

Cheers!

I realise I need the notch at the T, I just don't know how to achieve that given that the chain is still installed. The top bits are correct (12 o'clock and 3 o'clock) but the bottom one is around 6-8cm left of the 'T'.:nuts:

As for the belt, it isn't the aircon belt I need to change but I guess you mean that's how I gain access to the alternator belt?

I appreciate your help, thanks.

Never mind - sussed it out myself.

Can anyone suggest however what damage (if any) might have been caused by failing to line up the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets as specified when the timing chain was last installed? The last owner never passed on the mechanical history but I've been driving it for around 8mths now. It might have been this way for years! Is the lining up deal only important as a guide, or is there some reason for it. Everything I've read always states that if one is at a certain point the other will be too. Nothing suggests they ever would (or even could) be out of alignment. There is considerable emphasis however on the importance of not moving/turning the crankshaft once camshaft or dizzy is removed. Is this only because it was assumed that they all lined up with TDC before being removed????

Any input would be appreciated here to help me get my head around it. Thanks.

sounds like you may have to set the timing manually. have #1 piston at top dead centre, and timing mark aligned on crankshaft. then take the chain off the camshaft sprocket and slip it along till you can make the cam line up with the dowel when the dowel is at 12 oclock.

IMPORTANT!! make sure the #1 piston is actually at tdc and keep tension on the chain while doing this so it doesnt come off the crank sprocket.

if your not confident in doing this then ask a mechanic like lube mobile or something. if ur in wa metro im happy to assist. this is actually quite a common problem you know... let me guess it has had a timing chain replacement before?? the mechanic who did my original motor also stuffed it majorly and i drove it for another year... gutless as **** before i realised when i changed my cam.

anyways good luck

Thanks Magnetism! Your feedback is appreciated, as is your offer to assist. I'm located in Maddington if that's anywhere near you. I had sussed out what I needed to do but haven't done it yet. I'm not real sure how to release the tension on the chain - I was worried about the end dropping off the crank pulley and then having to pull everything off! Probably as much a lack of confidence as much as anything else... If you aren't too far away and have a mo anytime soon I'd welcome really welcome your input.:bowrofl: The car is an ongoing project so I'm not in any huge rush.

Thanks again.