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I have an indexing problem with changing the timing belt ...
Sent to Car Experts February 14 10:38 PM

I have an indexing problem with changing the timing belt on my 2000 Toyota Camry. I have changed belts twice on my 1987 Camry an once on my daughters 1998 Camry, so I am familiar with the procedure. On this one when the crank is on 0 the indexmarks on the cam pulley is a half tooth off. The belt is tight over the water pump is tight. If the cam is indexed the crank pulley is about 6 degrees btdc, or if I move it one tooth it's about 6 degrees atdc. The new belt is factory and the cam pulley was not removed. I out the old belt back on with the same result. Unfortunately I didn't check the cam index before removing the belt. I am using a 2000 Camry factory manual for reference. What next?

Optional Information:
2000 Toyota Camry 4 cyl

Already Tried:
Changing belt

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
February 15 5:05 PM (18 hours and 27 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
The belt can't physically be off 1/2 tooth.Sometimes looking at an angle makes it look that way.Install the belt and make two complete clockwise revolutions by turning the crank by hand.Then see how it looks you may actually have the cam off by a full tooth but can't tell because of slack in the belt.Be advised alot of timing belts have the mark on a half tooth spot on the cam gear so don't judge it by the tooth on the belt just the mark on the gear.

Master ASE Certified.L1 Advanced Engine Performance Certified.Pa Emission Repair Technician.Just Answer Car Category Mentor.
1 Other Expert Agrees with this!
Davo -- Master technician99% Positive Feedback on 1940 Car Accepts
ASE Master Technician/Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Technician
Reply
February 15 10:17 PM (5 hours and 11 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
Reply to Davo/diablo666's Post: Yes, I agree that the belt can't be off 1/2 tooth but It was. I used your solution probably 30 times before I sent in the question. I have a good idea how to put the belt on with no slack. Plus, I have had previous experience with this job. After some other consultation I put it together with the cam index in line and the crank 6 degrees btdc. Runs fine. In one of my phone conversations something was said that reminded me of something I saw one of the three times I pulled the crank pulley and cover back off an checked again. There was metal very slightly pushed up on the right side of the keyway (key up-looking down from top with flashlight). I don't remember which key it was (timing belt pulley or alternator belt pulley). That may explain the problem and if so probably has always been that way.
Your answer may be OK for someone who has never done this before.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
February 15 10:22 PM (5 minutes and 24 seconds later)
         
I'm just glad you got it fixed.

Master ASE Certified.L1 Advanced Engine Performance Certified.Pa Emission Repair Technician.Just Answer Car Category Mentor.
Davo -- Master technician99% Positive Feedback on 1940 Car Accepts
ASE Master Technician/Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Technician
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