Utah4Runner86

iTrader: (1)

I've got a '96 3RZ motor on the stand. I pulled the cams out to replace a couple valve shims, and I've discovered I don't have the slack in the timing chain to put the intake cam back in. With my old 22RE I could lever the timing chain tensioner to make enough slack to slip the cam back on, but if that's a tensioner I can see looking down the front of the motor, it doesn't budge when I try to lever it.

My mad google skillz have failed me, is there a trick to getting the chain and cog back over the cam without pulling the timing cover? For various reasons, I'd rather not go to that extent.

Utah4Runner86

iTrader: (1)

Why do you always figure it out right after you post a plaintive call for help?

The timing chain tensioner can be removed without pulling the timing cover. Look on the passenger front side of the engine for what looks like a blockoff plate - thats the tensioner. Unbolt it, pull it out, slip your cams into place, put the tensioner back. Hope this helps somebody else down the road.