So I've been advised to check my cam timing as a way of helping fix up my fuel economy (and if its out, maybe recover some lost ponies). From what I understand it does take a bit of patience and know-how before attempting it .

I gave it a quick Google Search and checked the forums but I can't find anything that can help me since I'm still a bit inept. Can anyone link me to a step by step guide on how to check the cam timing on a Gen 3 3SGE?

I'm worried that I might find it a little difficult so I'm considering getting a family-trusted mechanic to do it

Unless you have adjustable cam gears your cam timing will be fixed. Unless you have a gear 1 tooth out, but you would know as the engine will run very rough (I've done it before)
Your ignition timing would be worth checking though, and it's very easy if you have a timing light, (and a paperclip to jump a pin in the diagnostics plug)

dwyer125
Unless you have adjustable cam gears your cam timing will be fixed. Unless you have a gear 1 tooth out, but you would know as the engine will run very rough (I've done it before)
Your ignition timing would be worth checking though, and it's very easy if you have a timing light, (and a paperclip to jump a pin in the diagnostics plug)

I checked my ignition timing and it was 10* TDC or something. Either that or it was 0. I can't remember, but I remember it was okay

10 degrees advance on TDC is correct for a stock 3SGE motor.

Reddtarga
10 degrees advance on TDC is correct for a stock 3SGE motor.

Okay so my ignition timing is good then. So does that mean there's definitely no point checking my cam timing?

Eric said he got very similar awful fuel economy (400 to a tank of 98) till he fixed the cam timing as it was a tooth off or so. Just figured its a place to start since the dizzy cap and rotor didn't make the biggest impact so far

Does your temp gauge indicate that the engine is warming up? If it is running cold(ish), the other thing to check is that the cold-start injector is not always "on". This will ruin your economy pretty quickly.

Temp gauge works. I don't know if it's 'slow' but it usually takes 2-4 minutes for the needle to sit on normal operating temperature. How can I check the cold start injector?

Depending on who installed the last cam belt you could have the cam timing off. And depending on which cam and whether its been retarded or advanced it may still run "fine" but performance and economy wouldnt be optimal.

just_ace
Depending on who installed the last cam belt you could have the cam timing off. And depending on which cam and whether its been retarded or advanced it may still run "fine" but performance and economy wouldnt be optimal.

I feel like this could be true. It could just be me though, a lot of people say my performance and economy are normal but wouldn't hard to check..

Just don't know how to haha

Its a pita on an sw20 esp NA. You can either check by removing the cam cover or the top timing belt cover. Iirc gen3 is easier than gen2, but its been a while.