3sGTE Intermitant 30-40% power loss

[worldwalker]

Ok, according to the workshop manual I've checked (as best I could without removing the engine) the cam timing. The intake cam looks to be out, the marks I'd seen were made by someone who has replaced the belt, these marks line up with eachother but the factory markings are a tooth out. I cant see the exhaust cam because I cant get the cam cover off without removing the engine but I'm gussing its out too.

Why would someone want to do this? Is there a chance its a mistake or someone thinking they can tune it better in the same way you do with adjustable cam gears. I'm a bit worried, because I really can be fucked lifting the engine out but there doesn't seem to be any other way to get to the cams and I cant afford to have it done...

[gee120]

most cases you may be able to just remove one of the engine mounts on that side to give you the play you need to remove that cover, and just use a jack with a small block of wood to adjust the engine hight to where you need it to get the cover on and off.

[worldwalker]

yeah all good, all done. Using the workshop manual to line it all up nice. The cams are now at TDC but the crank pully has another 10-17deg to go... It appears to be a new belt and water pump so someone has cocked up big time.

[Mr Revhead]

it is possible to do the cambelt without removing the engine.

its just not a lot of fun.....

i suggest taking extreme care and triple checking everything if your not practiced at cambelts get some help! it may save you a few days of skinned knuckles and a lot of swearing

[gee120]

wheres the fun in doing the work if you dont get to swear alot

[Mr Revhead]

very true!

however when its your daily driver i try and eliminate those swearing moments!

[Roundy]

also if the timing belt comes off i would strongly recommend replacing the water-pump, otherwise there is a fair chance you will have to take the timing belt off a little while later to do the water-pump anyways!

[worldwalker]

Its a new belt and new pump by the looks of things so Its just been a cam timing adjustment for the moment and I'll do the belt and pump in 30,000km to be safe.

Cam belts arnt a great deal of work... except in the back of an MR2... and with the stupid over engineered spring used as a tensioner, even my old B16a was less hassle and it had recessed pistons so no 1 tooth out business with those little engines. All rotates freely and everything’s tight so its all going back together tomorrow and finally adjust the ignition timing.

So fingers crossed and we'll see how everything goes.

[worldwalker]

Thanks guys problem (thus far) solved. Just going to keep an eye on all of it for the next couple of weeks but dizzy is in the middle, engine free revs nice, idles better, and pulls nicely, no hesitation, no missing.

After going through and replacing all the standard items it looks like someone has been down that path before without success.

Thanks again, rep to all. Especially those who persisted.

[gee120]

nice good to hear

[Mr Revhead]

good to hear its all sorted!

aint cars a bitch

[gee120]

^^ not as much as my girlfriend

[abently]

I assume you adjusted the Ignition timing with the two Diagnostic pins shorted out ?

[-GT-]

Yep, glad to hear it's all re-done and running nicely. A final check of your timing in diagnostics mode to back up the 'dizzy is in the middle' and you're all set!

[worldwalker]

hahaha, yeah didn;t spend 6 hours fixing cam timing to do the ignition timing half arsed. Only did it half arsed in the first place because I didn't have a timing light.

Checked it all again after 2-3 hours of spirited driving and all ok. Although hit boost cut at 6000, so back to cleaning out the waste gate.