Scotty, Thanks for your help with this. In the process of replacing the timing belt and all related components on 2001 Toyota Avalon (180K miles). Regarding the cam timing marks, the rear cam sprocket turned (due to the valve spring tension) and has gone past the timing mark...does it hurt to turn this cam sprocket (clockwise) to bring it back around to the proper setting on this interference engine? Also, the crank shaft was turned an unknown number of times by my 11 year old grandson (crank bolt was in but timing belt was off)...Am I wrong in thinking that setting the timing marks for the crankshaft does not guarantee that the #1 cylinder is at TDC but could actually be at bottom dead center? If BDC is utilized instead of TDC would this destroy an interference engine? What is the best way to check to see if the #1 cylinder is at TDC on this car? Thanks for your insights and guidance!
well you could be off but you're not going to damage anything all you have to do is set it all up and then turn the crankshaft with the long bar and a socket around two complete revolutions if it's on wrong you'll start turning it won't be able to turn it anymore then you know you'll have to take it all apart again
