Quick timing check and tensioner oil seal

[PhilzMR2]

Hi, I did have a look through the how-to section, but couldn't find an answer.

Is it possible to do a quick timing check (e.g. with a strobe light) on the 1ZZ engine?

Also, when changing the timing belt tensioner oil seal, is it necessary to re-time the engine?

Many thanks.

[Mr X]

It's chain driven so if the timing is out it's because the chain is stretched or it's slipped a cog (neither shouldn't really happen).
Same goes with changing the tensioner. The chain Won't slip a cog just by doing that so it's not an issue.

[jonbill]

You want to check ignition timing? There might be marks on the crank pulley and the timing cover - I can't remember. But: it's unlikely to be wrong - It's controlled by the ECU off the crank position sensor inside the timing cover which only goes in one position.


Edit: you've also referred to cam timing - what problems do you have?

[PhilzMR2]

Still struggling with this one. To give more info, I had the cam tensioner oil seal replaced and since then, the timing feels different, so i would like to check it. From what I've read, it's possible that the chain may have slipped a tooth when the tensioner seal was changed. I'm just wondering how easy it would be to check the timing with a timing light or similar? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[Mr X]

I think that's incorrect, I don't think it can slip a tooth because the clearance around the cam and crank cogs is too small for the chain to slip over the top of a cog.
From my recollection, there's no marks on the pulley or chain cover to even check this with a strobe.
You have to do it with the timing marks on the chain/cogs.

https://workshop-manuals.com/toyota/mr2_spyder/l4-1.8l_(1zz-fe)/engine_cooling_and_exhaust/engine/timing_components/timing_component_alignment_marks/component_information/locations/

[Carolyn]

There are timing marks on the bottom pulley and on the timing cover. 

You can't check with a strobe, but you can visually check by positioning the engine, removing the cam cover and checking the timing marks on the top sprockets.

See the 'How To' on 'valve clearance adjustment'.  It's all in there.  It's very unlikely that you've disturbed the timing unless you rotated the engine with the tensioner out.  The chain can't jump on the bottom sprocket but it IS possible to jump a tooth on one of the top sprockets. If it has (which I doubt) it's an easy fix and, again the info on cam timing is in that 'how to'.

There are pics of all the timing marks in the 'How To'.

[shnazzle]

I did see someone using a strobe by placing the cable onto the top of the coil pack, on its side

[Mr X]

The chain can't jump on the bottom sprocket but it IS possible to jump a tooth on one of the top sprockets. If it has (which I doubt) it's an easy fix and, again the info on cam timing is in that 'how to'.

I stand corrected