Expert: Sean Halliday - 1/10/2010

Question
Working on my 1998 lexus gs300replacing head gasket.Trying to find out what position intake cam needs to be before installing vvt gear.
Many thanks for your help

Answer
I assume you did not set the timing at tdc before you started?This you should have done as the marks are easy to see at this setting.Offhand i do not have the diagram for this but if you go to autozone website,you will get detailed info to do this job.Most lexus engines are the same as toyota and the cams will have 2 marks,E and A, top and bottom.The crank will be marked at tdc and both cams will be offset,ie,no1 piston at tdc with both valves closed.Look at no1 and watch as the intake closes at tdc.Test the valve clearance and you should be able to see clearance so then the cylinder will be at tdc.Look at the back of the cam wheel and the mark should be close to the mark on the cylinder head.