WetbehindEars

Hello,
My sons 89 3.0 Runner (rather new to us) has been puffing some white smoke. So, we parked it and have decided to do some work.
Our Game Plan= Pull Heads, send to machine shop, check condition of Cylinder walls/Pistons (make call on that when seen), T-Belt, Water Pump, Clean out Intake, ohh and we purchased headers already, so install at same time.

So.. Today= Removed Exhaust crossover, Rad, PS pump, hoses, etc...
Got to the Distributor and I planned to set the crankshaft to "0" mark, then mark on distributor.
Well.... the lower timing cover (No. 1 timing belt cover with timing tab) is NOT on the Truck?? As in Missing!!

So... I have questions.
1. Should I purchase and install the cover with timing tab before proceeding?
2. I thought about pulling the upper timing cover and aligning cams to belt (if can be seen), and making my own timing mark for crankshaft.
3. Eitherway, I am shopping for the missing timing cover, but I really hate to just Stop completely on working in the meantime. If I just continued to work for now, how would you be sure the crankshaft and distributor are in the correct postion when installing?

I need some knowledge!!

RMA

i wouldnt worry about it now, just take it apart ,its pretty easy to time it when you get the cover and heads back .

pm sent on the cover.

OutlawMike

There are marks on the upper timing cover shield, the sheetmetal piece behind the cam pulleys. Line up the notches on the pulleys with those marks, and you will be at TDC, or pretty darn close.

Or, just don't worry about it. With the heads off there really is no TDC compression stroke for #1, as the valves dictate which stroke you are on. The piston just knows that it goes up and down all the time. Once you put a lower cover on it without a timing belt, you can line up the mark and then install the belt. Only when the belt is on are the pistons tied to the valves and then it matters that you have it on TDC of the compression stroke for #1.

buckz6319

this may help you when you get to the timing belt replacement
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...s-pics-183911/

WetbehindEars

RMA.. Thanks! Im responding to your PM right now!

All,
So I sounds like it would be best to continue on the (Timing Belt) part leaving the crank in position. Get the cover, install, Mark the Crankshaft & Distributor, then carry on.

Thanks Everyone!
I have lots of pics, so I will keep ya updated!