Toyota Repair: P1349 on 2002 Camry w/VVTi, chain and sprockets, haynes manual


Question
QUESTION: Almost 200k miles.  Replaced complete head w/camshafts due to leaking head gasket - followed steps in Haynes manual.  Kept original timing chain and sprockets.  Runs good but check engine light came on the first day and the code was P1349.  Cleared it that evening and it came back the next day, same code.  Doesn't come on immediately but comes on sometime within the first half hour of driving.  Removed VVTi oil switch on back of head, cleaned, and reinstalled.  Same code came up the next day.  Oil is full and clean.  Engine seems to run fine with good power.  Wondering if it will eventually fix itself after some more miles and wear, or if I'm going to have to remove the timing chain and sprockets and possibly replace them, or replace the oil switch.  Don't want to have to go back in and remove the timing chain if I can avoid it.  Thoughts?  Thanks

ANSWER: It's very likely that the cam timing is off even though it seems to run normally, you will need to recheck the timing.

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QUESTION: Thanks.  If it's off a chain link or two will I have to remove the timing chain cover again or is there a way to adjust it without removing the cover and chain?

Answer
Yes, a little difficult but possible. Collapse the tensioner and retain it with the little metal tab or remove it alltogether, loosen the cam cap bolts on both cams,remove the gear, not the vvti gear, the plain gear from the cam,  when the cams are loose you can pull the chain off and reposition the gears and the chain, it may take a few tries. Finally reinstall the tensioner and release it, usually rocking the engine back and forth will release the tenioner from the retainer but double chek with a light to make sure it came back out.