3.0 Timing Belt Issues

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

ToyotaGuy88

ToyotaGuy88

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Nov 23, 2007
Threads
47
Messages
102
Location
Cornelius, NC
Ok so, recently on start-up I would hear this high pitched screeching coming from under that timing cover, the water pump and timing belt was replaced recently so I have to assume it either the idler or the tensioner. I have never replaced a timing belt before, so... I thought to myself I could do the following:

-Remove timing cover
-Release tension on belt
-Slide the belt off
-Spin the tensioner and the idler
-Unbolt one of the two, or both
-Bolt on the new ones
-Slide the belt back on, set the tension.... and wah-lah!

Much to my dismay... its not that easy. Shame on me for thinking so...

Do I have to pull absolutely everyting apart to get the darn things off? The timing does not have to be touched even when you're installing a new timing belt or pulling the stuff apart and putting it back together? If anyone has any pointers on doing this please let me know...

Thanks for the input guys!

Andy
 
I would also like to say that I have checked the FAQ's and didnt really see anything about timing belts on the 3.0, perhaps I just missed it?

Thanks again ya'll,

Andy
 
Everything has to come off. :D You need to make sure your timing marks are all aligned (both cams, crank) before you put it back together or you will be pulling it all apart again.

Is it only doing it on start up? Positive its not a loose drive belt?
 
No, when I was listening for the noise I sounded if it was coming directly from under the timing cover in the center. Im almost sure its the idler. Can anyone explain to me why a timing belt cant be taken off and put right back on if nothing has moved? Thanks
 
ToyotaGuy88 said:
Can anyone explain to me why a timing belt cant be taken off and put right back on if nothing has moved? Thanks
Click to expand...

What you have in mind is possible, but you still have to take everything off the front of the engine, including the crank pulley and the lower cover. The belt is too wide and stiff and the tolerances are too tight to be able to bend it around enough, to get that pulley off, without also sliding it off the bottom sprocket-type pulley on the crank. Once you start tearing it apart you'll see what I mean.

It's likely it's that big center pulley, between the cams. I think you can get it off without removing the cam sprockets and the plate behind them but I honestly can't remember. I suppose if so, then you can just take this pulley off, and spin it by hand, see how it feels. But this will release the tension, so you'll need to re-collapse the tensioner to get it all back together. Sooo... ya you gotta take it all apart.

(and now you know why we all hate working on this engine so much)
 
Last edited:
Couple more dumb questions before I start digging in, just to make sure I have it all right...

How do you go about removing the nut on the end of the harmonic balancer? What about when I'm re-installing it...181-ft lbs i think. Wont the motor turn over?

To release the tensioner do I go for the spring and pull it off? Or do I go for the Torx type bolt on the end of the tensioner and slide it over or something?

Oh, and how do you properly set the tensioner up? When do you do this?

And as far as timing is concerned, let me make sure I get this right. Make sure the mark on the harmonic balancer is equal with 0 and that its not on BDC but on TDC. Line up the cam sprokets with the marks above them. Put your belt back on and set the tensioner... Is this correct? Many thanks... Sorry, I am full of questions...:D

Andy
 
before you tear it all down, grab your fan and see if it is shacking, it could be the idler but i have had the fake water pump go bad on my wifes, i call it a fake water pump be cause it is just an idler pulley with a fan mounted to it.
 
That's a good idea, to check the bearing that the fan clutch rides on.

All your questions will be answered with a Factory Service Manual. Highly recommended.

I prefer the "starter bump" method for removing the balancer bolt. Putting it back in: tranny in 5th, have someone step on the brakes.
 
KLF said:
That's a good idea, to check the bearing that the fan clutch rides on.

All your questions will be answered with a Factory Service Manual. Highly recommended.

I prefer the "starter bump" method for removing the balancer bolt. Putting it back in: tranny in 5th, have someone step on the brakes.
Click to expand...

X2. I think there's a copy of the '93 Serv Manual in the tech section, if you wanted to take a look. Al
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom