12/1/2004
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Installing a cam timing gear on a 1.8L Toyota
I've been having trouble installing a cam timing gear on a 1.8L Toyota. Any advice?
The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding the camshaft timing gear installation for 1998-2003 Toyota 1.8L 1ZZFE engines. Some difficulty has been expressed while installing this gear as the gear rotates within its hub.
A new camshaft timing gear should come in the unlocked position from the factory. If it is difficult to install the camshaft timing gear, the lock pin may be engaged. A used gear cleaned for re-use should be verified it is in the unengaged positon.
To disengage the lock pin, carefully apply and hold approximately 20 psi of air pressure at the oil feed hole located 90° clockwise of the oval slot. (See Figure 1)
Once the pin has released, turn the interior assembly counterclockwise. (See black arrow in Figure 1)
Carefully install the camshaft timing gear assembly and the camshaft together with the straight pin off the key groove.
Turn the camshaft timing gear assembly (as shown in Figure 2) while pushing it lightly against the camshaft. Push further at the position where the pin fits into the groove.
NOTE: Be sure not to turn the camshaft timing gear to the retard angle side (in the clockwise direction).
Check that there is no clearance between the end of the camshaft and the camshaft timing gear.
Tighten the camshaft bolt with the camshaft timing gear fixed to 40 ft.lbs. (54 Nm).
Check that the camshaft timing gear assembly can move to either side and is not locked.
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