I got a 3vze for cheap and it didn't have a timing belt on it when I got it. The cams are about 1/4 turn off from eachother. I don't know what's been rotated, and how much. What's the proper procedure for turning the crank and cams to be sure everything's in time and on the same stroke so I don't hit valves. I believe this motor to in good running condition otherwise. Thanks.

edit: uh-oh can't believe I thought this was an interference motor. Looks like I bought a paper weight. Go me.

 

Why would you think you bought a paperweight? The 3vze is a non-interference engine. Going clockwise, bring both cams and the crank to their marks and you are good.

 

Oh, I left out an important part. When I turn either cam 1/4 turn either way they stop suddenly and won't turn anymore. I assumed I was hitting valve to piston, but then realized this wasn't an interference motor. Paper weight? I haven't pulled the valve covers yet.

 

Are you putting a wrench on the cam bolt when you are trying to turn it? I ask because if you are just using your hands it can be tough to overcome the compression.

 

OK, so I finally did put a socket on the cams and "busted" it loose. I guess the valves were stuck, so some of them are moving freely now. Some of the lifters/valves are still stuck down- like the cams were pushing them down when it was parked and rust/carbon set up. Any ideas how to free up the lifter and get them back to the up position?

 

I'd pull the heads and take them into the machine shop to be torn down, cleaned, and surfaced that way you know everthing is properly freed up. Someone may have an idea how to free it up without pulling the heads.

 

I know this is the proper thing to do. Problem is that I'm a cheap bastard and machine shop would be $80/ea plus new head gaskets and TTY headbolts ;P

 

change the oil and add seafoam to it, and crank it up things will either free up or blow up

 

Get an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. Put it on your desk. Put your "new" motor on the paper, to keep the paper from blowing off the desk.