Camshaft timing marks?

1999 TOYOTA CAMRY
160,000 MILES
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VR250
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My car has the 2.2 liter 5 SFE engine. I am re-assembling the head after replacing the head gasket and I am having trouble with setting up the cams. I can set up the inlet cam timing with top dead center, but when I look to the marks on the rear of the cam sprockets, I have one mark on the inlet cam (no problem there), but have three marks on the rear of the exhaust cam sprocket. Which one of the three do I align with the inlet cam mark?

Checked tags and is definitely the 5s-fe engine. It has one gear bolted to inlet cam driven by the timing belt. Inlet cam has a second gear on it that meshes with a gear on the exhaust cam. Will find a picture to show what I mean.

PS. I did originally mark the cams myself on the out side of sprocket, but these marks came of in the parts washer. DOH!
Jul 1, 2012 at 1:07 PM
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VR250
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The gears circled are the gears in question check out the diagram (BELOW)
Jul 1, 2012 at 3:34 PM
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KHLOW2008
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I have found the guides you need. Refer to diagrams (below). Pay attention to the service nut. Failure to set the mark correctly would result in valve clearance issues

Here is the timing belt marks as well

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/toyota/camry/1999

Check out the diagrams (Below) Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
Jul 1, 2012 at 5:31 PM
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VR250
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Thank you all.

KHLow2008, that was the information I needed but could not find. Thank you.

p.s. I love this site! 2CarPros is the best!
Jul 2, 2012 at 11:05 AM
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KHJ
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I just wanted to note that in the last photo which shows the timing marks and assembly marks, the photo makes it appear that if the gears are meshed so that the timing marks line up, then the assembly marks will not line up. However, on my 1999 Camry, the assembly marks also lined up.

I do not know if this varies with different vehicles, but just saying, do not be worried if the alignment of the assembly marks on you vehicle is slightly different than the photo. The important thing is that the timing marks line up, and that you are indeed checking the timing marks.

Anyway, thanks very much for these photos, they saved me much grief.
Mar 22, 2017 at 7:11 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Both marks would line up. One is the mark for you to line up while installing the cams. When you turn the cam to get them seated, the other would line up.
Mar 25, 2017 at 8:29 AM
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CHRISTIE10
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Noises problem
1999 Toyota Camry 4 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 370000 miles
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I would like to know if timing belts need to be changed on a high mileage vehicle a second time. I am getting close to 400000 miles and she is very loud when I started this morning.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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MASTERTECHTIM
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YES THEY DO. AT LEAST EVERY 100,000
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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MARIODIAZ
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Trying to change the water pump, I removed the timing belt cover and loosen the #1 Idler pulley, when I tried to loosen the crankshaft pulley I turned the crankshaft alone loosing the sync between the Camshaft sprocket and the Crankshaft sprocket. How do I find the proper alignment between the camshaft and crankshaft? I have not replaced the water pump yet. I will replace the water pump and the timing belt at the same time.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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hope that can help let me know if more info needed


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_untitled_1.jpg

Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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MARIODIAZ
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Thanks for your quick response.
I still need to know if there is any marking for the Crankshaft or a way to find its right position. I'm assuming that the Crankshaft and the Camshaft both have to be at an exact position to maintain the "time" (synchrony) or the engine will never start.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_toyo_2.jpg

let me know if more needed good luck
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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JAZZIEJ2008
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Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Toyota Camry 4 cyl Automatic

what are the specification settings for replacing the titiming belt
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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DOCFIXIT
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Hi Not sure what you want but will start with timing mark reference


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_310.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Grafic_3_86.jpg

Hope this helps Thanks for donate
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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R-BLANCHARD
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If the timing belt should fail, is there a danger of mashing the valves on this engine?
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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DGK
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Your Camry will not damage the engine if it breaks, however you will be on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck if it does go. Replacement interval for your belt is aroung 90k. If you have never changed your T Belt do it. Even though the mileage is low, belts can break from old age. 6 Years is a good rule of thumb for belt replacement on Toyotas.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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IANJOHNSON1
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Ok The best way I can describe it is after I get the timing belt installed, the tension set, then turn the crank the 2 revolutions clockwise the camshaft timing mark does not line up again, it is about a 1/4" from making the full revolution and lining back up. This is a 1999 camry with 2.2I4. Just wondering if there is something I am missing because I have followed the manual step by step and the camshaft not realigning.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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When markings are lined up, during installation of belt, you would need to make allowances for the belt slack.

After making 2 turns, which is not lining up? We use the notch of the sprocket to make comparisons. Count how many notches it is off and when you repeat, make the allowances by turning the camshaft the forward or backwards the required notches.

The new timing belt should have markings for the various marks, using them would be the fastest and most accurate.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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IANJOHNSON1
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Alright well I what you said and I was able to get everything lined up perfectly and the car started no problem other than the dead battery. Here is my big concern, I replaced all major components underneath the timing cover with the exception of the oil pump and power steering pump. The car was making a sound that appeared to be coming from the timing cover area. It sounded like a bad bearing and something tapping against the cover. I was told by several people about these cars and that the tensioner would go bad and make this type of sound and that the water pump was making the tapping sound. As it turns out both components were indeed bad. After I got everything back together I started the car and I am still hearing the same tapping sound. The sound will at times stop and then start again and sometimes I do not hear it until I rev the engine a little to around 2000 RPM then it will start. Other times it is making the sound as soon I start it. Any advice would be a great help. Thank you for the info you have offered so far.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Most likely the valve lifters are making the noise you described if it is coming from top of engine. Have the valve clearances checked.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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CHRISTINEKEELER
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Does this car have a free running motor or will it seize immediatly if the timing belt breaks
it has not had the belt replaced
i just bought it
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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If its a distributor driven ignition system-remove the dizzy cap and look at the rotor if its truning while you're cranking engine over-if not belt could be gone-
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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CHRISTINEKEELER
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thanks for this
what i am asking iis... i just bought the car and its done 120000ks and not had the timing belt changed ever
i know i have to get this done asap but ive been told that if i drive it this week or on a long trip if the belt breaks the motor will immediatly seize
if its NOT a free running motor
is this correct or i am asking if the motor in this model is a free running one so therefore if the timing belty beaks the motor will not seize

hpoe someone can help me
much appreciated
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Your engine is not an interference it means when the T/belt breaks the valves won't touch the pistons-
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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RAYMONDWEBSTER
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There are two marks on the camshaft seal cover. One is a straight line up and down at what I would call the top. The other is a dimple like a center punch mark counter clockwise from the first about 20 deg.

Also the marks for aliening the two camshaft gears is as clear as mud. The intake has two large dots about 30 deg apart. The exhaust has a double center punch mark and two single center punch type in different places. Could you help enlighten me on how to line all of these up?
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Sorry, I sent the wrong diagram.

There are 2 diffferent types of markings depending on year and 1998/1999 sometimes overlaps so i have included both.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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RAYMONDWEBSTER
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This image I found already. It does not help clear up the two different timing marks that this hold could line up to.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Look carefully at the diagram. The two marks are different between front and rear camshaft.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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RAYMONDWEBSTER
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I am including two images. One of the Camshaft bearing cap with the two marks I see there. The other is the two camshaft gears and the marks I see on them. This is for a 2.2 liter 4 cyl. engine which does not have two camshaft sprockets.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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You did not have the spokes on the cam sprocket so I do not understand what marks are you refering to. I have enlarged the diagram for you. If you are still not sure, you would have to remove the central bolt and get the key-way to be at top for the correct mark.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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RAYMONDWEBSTER
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You are showing me the dual overhead cam v6 engine not the dual overhead cam 4 cylinder 2.2 liter engine. There is only one cam sprocket on the 4 cylinder engine. I was trying to show the marks I see behind the cam sprocket. I am aware I will have to line up the hole in the sprocket to one of the marks.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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You mean you removed the camshafts and is now trying to get the cam shaft lined up to each other?
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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RAYMONDWEBSTER
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yes and I am not sure which of the two marks on the camshaft bearing cap the sprocket hole should line up to.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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I hope you have the service bolt in place to lock the intake camshaft gear and subgear in position. Failure to do so would result in engine rattling and im proper valve timing.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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GISSAC
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How can I tell If my Timing belt has busted?
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:21 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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engine will try to crank over much faster than usual and the engine will not start.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:21 PM (Merged)
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Hi, I have a 98 camry, v6 with 135,000 miles. i have kept up with all the rountine maintenance with timing belts, etc as per recomendation of the manual . Now that my car has reached 135,000, what is the rountine maintenace to maintain its longevity?, i would like to keep it running till the wheeels fall off.

Thnaks
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:21 PM (Merged)
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BUDDYCRAIGG
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if you came to me, i would recommend these items depending on when/if they have been changed before.

oil change
tranny fluid change
spark plugs
antifreeze
timing belt
water pump
cam seals
drive belts
air filter
fuel filter
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:22 PM (Merged)
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R.L. STEWART
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How much should it cost to replace the water pump and timing belt on a 98 Toyota Camry?
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:22 PM (Merged)
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STEVEW84
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figure around $300-$500.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:22 PM (Merged)
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FRANK 66
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Shop that one at dealers. I prefer a factory trained mechanic for that one. If you have that many miles, get the water pump, timing belt, engine seals and serpentine belt done at the same time to save. I shopped different dealers within 100 mile radius of my house and the quotes on the phone different by over $200. I got it done in Easton PA for about $520 for all the above. It was a one day job. Got it to the dealer in the early AM and it was finished by 5. No problems and the repairs were noted on the Toyota computer system. It is amazing that this doesn't have uniform pricing but it depends on how the dealer operates. Definitely shop it though for the savings.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:22 PM (Merged)