1uz timing belt change marks always out

[Z2TT]

HI Guys,

Am doing a timing belt change on a 1uz-fe, no matter how many times I do it after spinning the whole motor around 2 times the marks don't align.

I set the crank to TDC, then rotated the camshafts so the little grove on the inner section of each cam gear is dead straight with the marks on the back. Put the belt on plenty of times, released the tensioner and span engine around twice, when at TDC again the groves on the cam gears do not align where they were previously by about a tooth length. If I then spin the motor until the marks on the cam gears do align to the backing plate marks, then when i eventually put the timing cover back on to check how much it's off by, off by about 7 degrees or so

I've put the belt on and off about 5 times and still the same thing happens, I got no idea if I'm leaving too much slack somewhere in the belt but I can't get the belt on any other way I've always made sure nothing spins while putting the belt on.

Any ideas or tips?

[4th surf]

The genuine and gates belts time up not only from the timing marks on the engine but marks on the belt, dotted mark on the belt going to the crank pulley and they have an arrow for direction of rotation, I back off 1 tooth on the crank before fitting the belt and then wind the tension on before releasing the tensioner, never have a problem this way

[Z2TT]

Ok I got a Dayco belt, it has 2 white marks for inbetween each cam I even made sure they line up onto the tooth that has a mark on the cams, but still it's out for some reason.
I was thinking back off one tooth on each camshaft before putting the belt on? that way somehow it would line up into place after rotation?

[4th surf]

They never line back up after rotating the engine. If you fire it up and get code 12 or 13 which are RPM codes then you're a tooth out. Where in WA are you?

[Z2TT]

Hey mate i'm up around Balcatta area, mine just seem to be too far out I thought the reason to rotate the motor twice was to make sure they align back up like they should.

[4th surf]

You might have to bribe me with some amber fluid then to come for a look. Got to check out another over the weekend that won't boost (turbo diesel) so might be able to extend the ride

[CrUZida]

When you rotate the engine twice, you are making sure the timing marks on the PULLEYS are lining up with the timing marks on the ENGINE.
The ones on the belt are just there to help you install it.

[Z2TT]

Yeah I'm checking it with the ones on the pulleys to the engine, they are about a tooth length out after I rotate the motor. I might try set the cams a tooth length out to begin with to see if they end up lining in place when the belt goes on

[Z2TT]

Ended up getting it right, I set the cams off one tooth before putting the belt on, and when I put it on turned engine around twice everything lined up

[Cresleepa]

I know this might be a bit late, but did you install a water pump or just change the timing belt?
Toyo engineers designed it all so that you change the pump and belts (and dizzy rotors) in one service.
ALSO
never buy non-genuine water pumps, they just arent worth the hassle. I put a genuine one on, has lasted plent, my mates celsior with an ebay special water pump failed 10 months later

[sleepercorty]

had the same drama the other day when i did a 1uz it think it was because of the hydraulic tensioner before and after the belt had tension it changed. just had to change it a couple of times to get it right