Section 207 (Engine Mechanical): Camshaft: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Toyota Yaris. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT CAMSHAFT TIMING GEAR ASSEMBLY
1. Check the lock of camshaft timing gear.
  1. Clamp the camshaft in a vice, and check that the camshaft timing gear is locked.
    NOTE: Do not damage the camshaft.
2. Release the lock pin.
  1. Cover the 4 oil paths of the cam journal with tape as shown in the illustration.
    HINT:
    
    One of the 2 grooves located on the cam journal is for retarding cam timing (upper) and the other is for advancing cam timing (lower). Each groove has 2 oil paths. Plug one of the oil paths for each groove with a piece of rubber before wrapping the cam journal with the tape.
  2. Puncture the tape covering the advance oil path and the retard oil path on the opposite side from the advance oil path. Retard Side Path Advance Side Path
    
    Fig 1: Identifying Oil Paths Of Cam Journal With Tape
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. Apply air at about 150 kPa (1.5kgf*cm² ) pressure into the 2 broken paths (the advance side path and the retard side path).
    NOTE: Cover the paths with a shop rag or piece of cloth to prevent oil splashes.
    
    Fig 2: Applying Air Pressure Advance Side Path And Retard Side Path
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. Confirm that the camshaft timing gear assembly revolves in the timing advance direction when the air pressure on the timing retard path is reduced.
    HINT:
    
    The lock pin is released and the camshaft timing gear revolves in the advance direction.
  5. When the camshaft timing gear reaches the most advanced position, release the air pressure on the timing retard side path, and then release the air pressure on the timing advance side path.
    
    Fig 3: Applying Air Pressure On Advance Side, Side Path Retard Side, Side Path
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    NOTE: Camshaft timing gear assembly occasionally shifts to the retard side abruptly if the air pressure on the advance side path is released first. This often results in breakage of the lock pin.
3. Check the revolution.
  1. Rotate the valve timing assembly back and forth several times, except where the lock pin meets it at the most retarded angle. Check the movable range and that it rotates smoothly.
    Standard: Smooth movable range is about 22.5°
    
    NOTE: Perform this check by hand, instead of using air pressure.
4. Check that the gear locks in the most retarded position.
  1. Confirm that the camshaft timing gear assembly is locked in the most retarded position.