CARspec has been asked how to time the 1MZ 3.0 V6 and 3MZ 3.3 V6 when replacing a timing belt. The removal and installation timing is the same. Here are photos of the camshaft and crankshaft locations with a factory Toyota replacement timing belt installed:
Front camshaft, note the mark on the sprocket, belt and backing plate all line up:
Front Camshaft Timed
Rear camshaft, note the arrow indicating the mark on the backing plate. The timing of the belt looks 1/4 tooth off due to the angle of the camera but is correct (compare the sprocket mark to the backing mark and belt mark to the sprocket mark). Trying to check this rear camshaft will trip up many technicians as, when viewed in a mirror, the timing frequently appears off a tooth but is correct:
Rear Camshaft Timed
On the crankshaft, the factory Toyota replacement timing belt has dots that align with a mark on the crankshaft sprocket:
Crankshaft Timing Dots
The crankshaft sprocket tone wheel for the crankshaft position sensor also has a dot that aligns with a casting mark on the oil pump:
Crankshaft Tone/Oil Pump Marks
As Eden Prairie and Chanhassen’s independent Toyota and Lexus repair specialist, we do many timing belts and hope this helps a DIYer or another auto mechanic working on a Toyota or Lexus get the timing correct!
