250k LX470, Original timing belt?

[simo10]

I ran the Lexus service records and saw that the previous owner denied the timing belt job at around 90k and 180k. Car fax came up with nothing either. No timing belt stickers either.

I took the inspection cover off and find it hard to believe that the belt has 250k. Any definitive way of knowing if it has been replaced? I went all the way around and all the teeth are in great shape. Also, to me it looks like the cam pulley bolt looks like it has had a socket on it. See the pics below.
Also, I have read mixed responses on whether or not a 2000 2UZ-FE (non-VVTI) is an interference engine or not.

Thoughts?

 

[Biga27110]

interesting

 

[Trailguy]

That is interesting. When in doubt, change it out.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

If you search around you can find many threads with pics of timing belts replaced well past due and there's cracking on the rubber. Yours looks like it's in great shape.

As for the interference, Toyota literature states the 2UZ is, but those that have had a timing belt break haven't had bent valves. Now, the 2UZ with vvti, that's a different story.

 

[Spike555]

Just because the stealer didn't do it does not mean it was not done.

I would not worry about it.

 

[batcon]

That belt looks in much better shape than the one I changed out at 234,000 miles.

 

[flintknapper]

It's not the 'belt' you need to be concerned with anyway. Many higher mileage engines display a still serviceable belt. Belts rarely fail by themselves. The trouble begins when one of the pulleys or the water-pump seizes. That is what takes out the belt.

The cam bolt will naturally have signs of a 'socket' having been on it...since that is what they use at the factory to install it.

No TB sticker anywhere and the fact that the PO declined the service not once...but twice has to cast doubt on whether or not it has ever been done.

Bottom line: There is more evidence/suspicion that it HASN'T been done..then there is that it has.

I suppose it depends on how you use your vehicle as to how important it might be to replace the TB (and water pump, tensioner, pulleys, cam/crank seals). Personally, I don't wait for things that will leave me on the side of the road... to break before fixing/replacing them. But some folks do.

 

[simo10]

Just because the stealer didn't do it does not mean it was not done.

I would not worry about it.

I have a feeling the P/O had it done by an independent shop. I think for now I'll focus on other maintenance. No oil or coolant leaks that I can see on the front of the engine.

 

[dale5740]

I ran the Lexus service records and saw that the previous owner denied the timing belt job at around 90k and 180k. Car fax came up with nothing either. No timing belt stickers either.

I took the inspection cover off and find it hard to believe that the belt has 250k. Any definitive way of knowing if it has been replaced? I went all the way around and all the teeth are in great shape. Also, to me it looks like the cam pulley bolt looks like it has had a socket on it. See the pics below.
Also, I have read mixed responses on whether or not a 2000 2UZ-FE (non-VVTI) is an interference engine or not.

Thoughts?

lots of times people don't have it done at dealer cause they can buy and have other service shops do it cheaper. doesn't mean it wasn't done

 

[gatormark91]

MY 2000 had the TB 'done', according to the previous owner, but he could/would not provide receipts, so I assumed he was not being truthful.

So I did the whole thing myself, right, with new parts. Turns out all the PO's 'mechanic'​

did was replace the actual belt with a cheap aftermarket belt. They put original tensioner back in, reused the idler, fan bracket.

2000 2UZ will not crash the valves if the belt snaps. I've personally turned the crank over with the belt off, no issues.

 

[DTCsk8er]

That belt looks fairly new; definitely not high mileage.

 

[gregnash]

Not unheard of. Talking to my neighbor that has a 99 and she was telling me that they bought hers at 46k from the original owner, now has 225k on it. She had the tb/wp done at 190k and that was the first one. OEM was still going strong but she does not tow with it or anything, just a soccer mom running the kids around.

 

[95Fantasma80]

Toyota reliability at its finest, yes you can change at 90k and get to 500k easy, but ignore it and its sure to still get you pretty far.

 

[dale5740]

I bought a Highlander with 230,000 miles on it from original owner. He was a Toyota mechanic and said he seen them belts last way longer than 230,000 on the original belt.

 

[dale5740]

I bought a Highlander with 230,000 miles on it from original owner. He was a Toyota mechanic and said he seen them belts last way longer than 230,000 on the original belt.

I’m not saying I recommend that but first thing I did was change the belt water pump etc. Belt was in excellent condition. You could still almost read the writing on it but not.

 

[Ambledog]

You just never know, but inspection will be your key. Look close for any micro cracks on smooth outside of belt and on inside of belt. Look for wear on the outer and inner edge to see if it is out of line somewhere and rubbing. You may have to disassemble more to really see it.

My service records showed TB done about 35,000 miles before I bought it. But needing to change out the crank seal I tore it all down. Turns out the only thing that was new was the timing belt. Everything else was old. Drive belt was cracked, why did they take it off and not inspect and replace clearly worn ? So I replaced every spinning thing that touched the TB and drive belt, including fan bracket and water pump. Now I know every component is good to go, not just the belt. Quieted down the engine area significantly too.

Point is, if the belt looks awesome, and it does in the picture, you are probably good and I'd not replace it. If you turn over the engine you should see printing on the belt, that can tell you (maybe) if it is replacement or original. Pic is my new replacement belt in the Aisin kit. Worn belt is drive belt showing cracks - you definitely don't want to see that kind of damage!