7MGE Engine rebuild

[oregonjoe]

Installing the timing belt on a Supra is much easier then a 4-Runner. The manual says to install the crank sprocket, lower timing cover and crank damper in order to see where TDC for number one cylinder is but I preferred to get the belt on and set up the timing with them off so I can see what is going on.



Turns out that on the 90 Supra, all the marks are at 12 O’clock. Set both cam sprockets to 12 o’clock and the tab on the crank to 12 o’clock and you have it right.

Wrap the belt around the crank sprocket and up to the left around the oil pump sprocket, pull tight, then around both cams and the idler pulley. Double check the marks again because they will move as the belt goes on. I had to do this three times till they were correct. Now put the spring on the idler and give the crank a few spins to see if the marks still line up. Tighten the idler bolt to 35 ft-pounds and spin the crank again. Loosen the idler bolt, wedge a large screw driver in to tighten up the belt tension and retourque the idler bolt and your done.



Before I put the top timing cover on, I installed the distributor to get it set to Number 1 spark since I had the engine at TDC on the compression stroke.



Water pump went on next and I’m making progress.