Forensic Analysis on 12 year old timing belt parts w/ 100K miles

[RND1]

As you may know from my other post, I had the timing belt service done on my '03 LC at my local dealer yesterday. They replaced the T-belt, waterpump, hydraulic tensioner, idler bearing, and tensioner bearing.

According to the vin tag on the door jamb, my LC was born on 05/2003 so these components have 100K miles on them and 12 years of service.

The timing belt looks practically new aside from a light brown discoloration. I could find no signs of wear at any location along the belt.

The idler and tensioner bearings also appeared to be in very good condition and turned freely without any noise or binding.

The hydraulic tensioner looked a bit worn on the outside, but the plunger and gasket was still good.

The waterpump looked to be in good condition, but did show signs of coolant build up and a small leak. I don't know if the dried coolant is normal or indicative of a problem?

The dealer said all of the hoses, heater T's, and T-stat did not require replacement at this time. They did replace the drive belt.

All in all, I can't say enough good things about these 100 series cruisers. They are built to last!

 

[TXLX100]

Water pump looks like coming out weep hole. I highly recommend thermostat and heater T's done though. More common to blow up a radiator or damage an engine for those little parts failing than a timing belt breaking and causing damage.

 

[cwwfj60]

I could be wrong but I remember a toyota tsb or maybe just a service procedure that talked about that water pump leak. The "leak" on your water pump is very common, actually every toyota v8 or v6 (3.4) I've worked on has had that leak. The red coolant is great at sealing it self up, but toyota actually listed in they're procedure to ignore it if it isn't wet and if it has a dry crusty pink build up around the weep hole that this is normal. Kinda interesting....not that I recommend this (ignore part). I always replace wearable items when getting into a engine that much and a water pump is a no brainer. These trucks are built great and I'm sure will serve you well for a long time.

 

[RND1]

Water pump looks like coming out weep hole. I highly recommend thermostat and heater T's done though. More common to blow up a radiator or damage an engine for those little parts failing than a timing belt breaking and causing damage.

Thanks for the feedback TXLX and I agree - I will DIY the thermostat and heater T's when I get some time.

I could be wrong but I remember a toyota tsb or maybe just a service procedure that talked about that water pump leak. The "leak" on your water pump is very common, actually every toyota v8 or v6 (3.4) I've worked on has had that leak. The red coolant is great at sealing it self up, but toyota actually listed in they're procedure to ignore it if it isn't wet and if it has a dry crusty pink build up around the weep hole that this is normal. Kinda interesting....not that I recommend this (ignore part). I always replace wearable items when getting into a engine that much and a water pump is a no brainer. These trucks are built great and I'm sure will serve you well for a long time.

Thanks for the info - there's quite a build up of dry crusty coolant in the weep hole. There's also coolant on the backside of the waterpump pulley - have you seen this before?

 

[cwwfj60]

yes probably came through the shaft seal, over 12 years this was probably a few drops.

 

[Lowbudgetlc100]

this is why i always use original toyota part when it comes to timing belt and water pump.