Valve Timing Adjustment

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Ok, folks, here's what my "shortcut" consisted of:

1. Remove plastic engine cover
2. Remove air cleaner assembly
3. Remove drive belt
4. Remove passenger side timing belt cover
5. Partially remove driver side timing belt cover (only need to see the match marks)
6. Remove skid plate
7. Remove timing belt tensioner
8. Adjust passenger side cam shaft position (as soon as i removed the belt, the cam shaft sprung back to the proper position by itself)
9. Install timing belt tensioner
10. Rotate crank 360* to verify match mark alignment
11. Install both timing belt covers
12. Install drive belt
13. Install air cleaner assembly
14. Install plastic engine cover
15. Install skid plate
16. Clear OBD codes
17. Test drive

Tools required: 3/8 ratchet; 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm & 22mm sockets; 3" & 6" ratchet extensions

Outcome: purred like a kitten, drove 6 miles, quiet and smooth as could be, no engine light.

I mentioned that fuel was leaking from the exhaust, but I was wrong, it IS condensation.

Thanks for all your input.
 
Was the dust cover missing?

Yes, indeed, it is missing. I'll need to find the part before I do the TB/WP change-out. In the mean time, I'll zip-tie some rolled-up dryer sheets near there, as mice are repelled by them.
 
Yes, indeed, it is missing. I'll need to find the part before I do the TB/WP change-out. In the mean time, I'll zip-tie some rolled-up dryer sheets near there, as mice are repelled by them.

I'd go back to whomever did the t-belt previously, tell them what happened, and ask for it (t-belt and cover) to be replaced. That missing cover could have been a $X,XXX repair had the belt broken. They'd be getting off cheap in giving a free replacement.
 
I'd go back to whomever did the t-belt previously, tell them what happened, and ask for it (t-belt and cover) to be replaced. That missing cover could have been a $X,XXX repair had the belt broken. They'd be getting off cheap in giving a free replacement.

The problem is, is that the previous owner had the TB changed at the dealer about 4-1/2 years ago. I have the receipt, but I doubt that I can demand (or prove) anything since I wasn't the customer.
 
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The problem is, is that the previous owner had the TB changed at the dealer about 4-1/2 years ago. I have the receipt, but I doubt that I can demand (or prove) anything since I wasn't the customer. For everyone's info, the work was done at Carousel Toyota-Scion in Glen Mills, PA.

Then you're correct, that would be tough.
 
The problem is, is that the previous owner had the TB changed at the dealer about 4-1/2 years ago. I have the receipt, but I doubt that I can demand (or prove) anything since I wasn't the customer. For everyone's info, the work was done at Carousel Toyota-Scion in Glen Mills, PA.
I agree tough, but no time limit for good service or negligence IMO. Speak to them in service waiting area if no result on phone or one on one, be firm but polite.

Proration of job cost may be fair, use those $ for parts credit and in addition get discount on parts. You'd be doing them a favor in bring to their attention, if they're a good Toyota shop.
 
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I'm going to pass on approaching the shop, mainly since it is located more than 200 miles from me. I'll find the part and set it aside for when I do the TB/WP change out. I try to avoid having others work on my vehicles, except for things like glass, tire mounting and balancing, etc., and even then you have to be careful. The last time I was in a shop, I paid close to $800 for tires and noted loose lug nuts on two wheels when they had finished the installation.
 
Let us know how the tensioner spec out. I'm guessing you'll have done fast, once your ready.
 
Let us know how the tensioner spec out. I'm guessing you'll have done fast, once your ready.

Will do. I'll likely change out the tensioner, too. Some timing kits are quite reasonable. Anyone have experience with Aisin kits?
 
Will do. I'll likely change out the tensioner, too. Some timing kits are quite reasonable. Anyone have experience with Aisin kits?
Lets bump you back to the top.

But, looks like experience with Aisin is limited. Most will say OEM all the way, but pricey. Hey Toyota changes venders from time to time, do your homework and find out who's currently being used. Then you can't go wrong.
 
I think the OEM belt is only like $60. A complete 'kit' (tensioner, pulleys, belt) sans pump shouldn't be over $200.
 
I'm looking at a Gates kit (TCKWP298) with the water pump, pulleys and tensioner. It can be had for about $160+. I'll likely add a thermostat and crank/cam seals while I'm at it.
I've had no luck locating the missing dust cover, so the part might have to be fabricated. That's got me thinking about 3D printing.
 
Have you tried any Toyota Dealers they be able to get that dust cover or a junk yard.
 
Check with Beno at Lowe. I don't think OEM is much more and your risk is reduced to zero.
 
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*** "Have you tried any Toyota Dealers they be able to get that dust cover or a junk yard." ***
The junk yards around here can't keep 2UZ-FEs for long, but I will make inquiries at the dealership.

*** "Check with Beno at Lowes. I don't think OEM is much more and your risk is reduced to zero." ***
Beno at Lowes? What is that?
 
*** "Have you tried any Toyota Dealers they be able to get that dust cover or a junk yard." ***
The junk yards around here can't keep 2UZ-FEs for long, but I will make inquiries at the dealership.

*** "Check with Beno at Lowes. I don't think OEM is much more and your risk is reduced to zero." ***
Beno at Lowes? What is that?

Beno (MUD screen name, real name is Onur) works at Lowe Toyota in Atlanta. He's a forum regular and sponsor. Lowe gives great discounts to MUD members and Beno knows more about the LC than probably any other parts guy in the industry, save maybe CruiserDan.
 
A shredded serpentine belt led to my timing jump. A small strand 4" long by 1/8" of serp belt was pulled so tight that it was under my TB covers. Re-timed and problem solved.

That said, I believe a mouse or trash could do the same.
 

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