Chaning my 1997 Camry TimingBelt using Chilton's Manual?

[1997Camry]

I've put about 85k on my '97 Camry and I am thinking of doing the work myself for the very first time. The Chilton manual isn't expensive and I have basic garage tools so do you think I can do it myself? I'll be able to get a buddy to help, but that's only for the extra pair of hands and muscle and not car knowledge. If you think I should take it to the dealer maybe I should think about this twice.

[mrtwo]

Other than the two options, you can also do it by a mechanic you trust.

[Brian R.]

If you do it yourself, make sure you understand how to set #1 piston at TDC on compression stroke. Also, be prepared to stop and put everything back together if you find you cannot remove the crank pulley bolt. I think this is the hardest part from a strength point of view.

Also, be careful and gentle with the new timing belt. Handle it as if it were a piece of gold foil. Don't bend it sharply, contaminate it with anything, or turn it inside out.

Don't scratch the sensor part of the crankshaft timing pulley.

Don't use the timing belt tension to tighten the mounting bolt of the camshaft timing pulley.

If there is noticeable wear or cracks on the belt face, check to see if there are nicks on the side of the idler pulley lock.

If there is wear or damage on only one side of the belt, check the belt guide and alignment of each pulley.

If there is noticable wear on the belt teeth, check the timing cover for damage, correct gasket installation, and for foreign material on the pulley teeth.

Check to make sure the idler pulley turns smoothly. If not, replace.

Clean all the pulleys and keep them clean.

If you have to turn the crankshaft, always turn it clockwise.

Make sure you have all the gaskets you need. Clean the gasket surfaces to shiny metal everywhere before you replace the gaskets. Replace the timing cover gaskets if they are at all questionable.

Make note of all the electical connections you disconnect when you disconnect them. Make sure they are all connected when you are done (DOH!).

Consider replacing the water pump simultaneously. It will be accessible when you are replacing the belt. Also, check the accessory drive belts and replace them if they are old.

Torque everything.

[Brian R.]

Also, compare the Chilton's manual with the Haynes manual. They are different. See which one you like better before you buy one.

[mrtwo]

wow, that is intimidating work.

[yotatechie04]

Damn good info Brian...he covers all the good stuff. BTW: I just changed my timing belt and water pump myself not too long ago, (last week to be exact) and it wasn't too hard, it was only about a 2 hour task...had a friend help as well. Went pretty smooth, hardly any problems. If you have a basic working knowledge of engines and timing, then you can do it yourself, although if you don't know anything about it, then don't bother, or else you'll screw up the timing so bad on that thing you won't be able to drive it anywhere...best of luck to you.

[smarisetty]

Hi,

I had somebody to come help me do it. I was not very sure on how to set the timing. Now, it seems easy.

I still want to know if there is a way to check the timing without opening the cover. Say with a timing light.

I want to double check the work done by my helper (a mechanic, who I paid $150).

thanks
sm

[yotatechie04]

It would be very easy to check the timing. These engines are made to almost virtually eliminate the need for a timing light and timing adjustment. You will need to remove the timing cover though to verify whether or not the vehicle's engine is completely in time. All you have to to is align the engine at TDC, which I'm pretty sure that you know how to do this since you've replaced the belt already, and open the cover. Verify that the camshaft sprocket is aligned at the marks, and you're set. If it's not aligned, and the block is at TDC, then you'll have to go back and redo most of your work.

[smarisetty]

I hate to open the timing belt cover. It is lot of work. Have to open the engine mount and stuff.

I will double check it at leisure. The car seems to be running very smooth, no hesitation and such.

I wish there was a way to check the timing without having to go through opening the timing belt cover.

[yotatechie04]

Well if there is no hesistation or sputtering of any kind, and the car starts right up, then it's in time. Although if you have difficulty taking off from a stop, the car dies at idle, or seems to vibrate excessively, then it could be out of time. So if it's running good, then don't worry about messing with the timing cover and all, it's in good shape.

[ToyotaTech]

189.00 at most dealers and no worries!

[1997Camry]

$189 for a complete timing belt change? where is that?