Cam Timing

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

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

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

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?

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

How bad is your fuel economy? 
Fill to the brim, drive 100km on open road, not stop start city driving, then re-fill.
I agree with Dwyer125, while the cam timing is possible, it is unlikely.

Your getting cam and ignition timing mixed up.

You dont remove any covers to check and set ignition timing when using a timing light.

Std ign timing is 10deg btdc.

TwoDogs
How bad is your fuel economy? 
Fill to the brim, drive 100km on open road, not stop start city driving, then re-fill.
I agree with Dwyer125, while the cam timing is possible, it is unlikely.

Well it's pretty bad. I'm chilling just under 300kms so far to this one tank and I'm just a notch above 1/4 tank remaining.

I'd understand if it was forced induction but on a n/a 4cyl.. not so much

TonyMR2
Hoonsy aren't you in qld?
Get to know the service manual to service all the normal service things, or meet with other mr2 owners to learn, or get a mechanic to do it if you don't have the tools.
Cam timing has to do with removing the timing cover to see the cam gears, using a timing light whilst the car is running. But that's only a basic check back to spec as per manufacturer. Retarding or advancing is best checked in a dyno to the benefits. My last one was advanced 15 from memory but done on a dyno.
If you want to know if you have the right air fuel mix (therefore the best fuel economy and possible power) get a dyno check test for under $100. You could need so many things but it's all guess work until you get it on a dyno. Could be things like injectors need an ultrasonic clean to spray better, could be the oil you are using.
All the best.

Yeah I'm from QLD. Only one yellow SW20 on here so easy to keep track of haha

But just to clear up the air, the few things I have covered so far include checking ignition timing, changing spark plugs for new Bosch quad tip ones (not sure if I got the right ones, but fuel economy remained the same after changing), oil change to much higher quality full synthetic and Ryco filter, cleaned air filter (pod).. think that's most of it. My mechanic said he did my fuel filter a while back, but I don't know if he did as he never charged me for it (been a while since I went to him, he lost my engine prop stick.. $50 gone haha)

I'll have to get to the dyno sometime then. I've got cash set aside at the moment but I'm not ready to be throwing a few hundred dollars on diagnosing - I'll wait for an apprenticeship to swing my way first :)