Quote:
Originally Posted by roscoe67
Just as a follow-up, since I started the thread. I pulled both valve covers and, sure enough, the driver's side camshafts were misaligned. Since I hadn't known about the two dots, I had aligned a single dot to two dots. I realigned it, and now it runs like brand new! Here's to non-interference motors!
But just as a follow-up on the pairs of dots. On mine (1997), on the passenger (right) side, when the two dots are aligned, that means the single dots will also align when they rotate around. Also, when the two dots are aligned, it is not at TDC. In fact, the camshaft gear is 180 out at that point. When the single dots are aligned, it is at TDC. I am not sure why the service manual emphasizes aligning the two dot pairs, since that also means the single dot pairs will align, and it is simpler to align the single dots at TDC. Perhaps it is more of a pain because of compressing valve springs?
Anyway, many thanks to the forum! You got me back on the road!
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You got it right. If you notice when you put the intake cam in, there's a spot where it will sit without compressing any valves. The easiest way to put the exhaust cam in is to have this done to the intake cam, bolt it down and look at which dot is facing up. Simply place the exhaust cam on the gear so the dots align then "roll" it down into its slot in the head. You can then bolt it down and turn the engine over a bit and the dots will line up perfect, every time. I had to do a few camshaft switcheroos with my performance cams and this is by far the easiest way to line them up perfectly.
Another tip is to find the dots on the one side and PAINT THEM ON THE OTHER SIDE YOU CAN ACTUALLY SEE! Hear that Toyota??? That's probably one of their only blunders on the 5VZ-FE engine. They must have built the engine facing the other way in the factory or something because the dots are stupid hard to see.
Also, someone else was asking if you can accidentally put the wrong camshafts in the wrong side of the head. The answer is no. You may get two in but once you get to the other side they will be too long and you'll realize the mistake before you can finish.
