I have been looking for my cruiser for a month now and I am glad I waited. I think I am going to pull the trigger on a very clean 2004 for 16,500 this weekend. It has 112,000 on it. From what I understand from going back and forth with the dealer, it has not had it's timing belt changed. My question is how do I know when it will need to be changed. When I go to pick it up are there any tell tale signs? I am taking my mechanic with me and he is getting a fee to make sure I am not getting a lemon. Hopefully the search will end this weekend
How to know when to change timing belt
- Thread starter vilasman
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It needs to be done sometime in the next 5-10 miles.
Anymore questions?
Is this a Toyota Dealer?
If the TB breaks, the engine is toast. Its that simple.
If its a Toyota dealer, you should be asking him to include the 90K service as part fo the deal at no extra cost to you. If its not a Toyota dealer, you should be asking for $1000 to cover the ESSENTIAL 90K service that MUST be done immediately.
If its a Toyota dealer, you should be asking him to include the 90K service as part fo the deal at no extra cost to you. If its not a Toyota dealer, you should be asking for $1000 to cover the ESSENTIAL 90K service that MUST be done immediately.
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At 112k you're due but I wouldn't think twice about taking it on a trip. There have been posts here of likely 180k belts. Just get it done with pump and pulleys this winter to be safe.
And at 16.5k if its in good condition you're getting a fantastic buy on an 04. So good that I'd suspect something... Either ignorance on the part of the seller or something bad in the history. I would expect to see that vehicle north of 20k in the PNW.
And at 16.5k if its in good condition you're getting a fantastic buy on an 04. So good that I'd suspect something... Either ignorance on the part of the seller or something bad in the history. I would expect to see that vehicle north of 20k in the PNW.
a big Plus 1
Whoops.
It appears I need to check my sources before I pipe up.
That was a general rule of thumb for Toyota in the 80's and 90's.... Wonder why Toyota would change that!
Thanks for correcting me guys
It appears I need to check my sources before I pipe up.
That was a general rule of thumb for Toyota in the 80's and 90's.... Wonder why Toyota would change that!
Thanks for correcting me guys
I'd say check for rust underneath, but it's not likely you'll find any like that locally.
timing?when to change the timing belt
what? pegasis0066
what? pegasis0066
He's kidding.
FWIW I changed my belt last month. It had 77k on it but was 12 years old. It showed no signs of cracking or wear on it but the weep hole on my pump was starting to leak. Not enough to drip on the floor but enough to show buildup of dried coolant at the weep hole. I'd say it was about the right time to do it.
when i bought mine it had 250k miles on it. Did the belt right away and it was super cracked and old (original Toyota belt)
now I'm very glad i didn't take the PO word that it had been done!
now I'm very glad i didn't take the PO word that it had been done!
The chances of playing a round of Russian Roulette are in your favor as well.
But if you keep playin'...
Am I correct that nobody on MUD or elsewhere has reported a broken timing belt on our 100 series Cruisers?
I agree it's best to replace as Toyota says and I wouldn't want to risk it breaking...However I am still waiting for "broken timing belt - blown engine" threads.
I'm at 160k miles and think the PO changed the TB. I say think, because I have no clue other than the evidence of turned bolt heads on the clutch fan and the overall good mechanical shape.
I need to do my belt soon-and will, but meanwhile, I'm still driving the wheels off. Call me crazy, I guess.
I agree it's best to replace as Toyota says and I wouldn't want to risk it breaking...However I am still waiting for "broken timing belt - blown engine" threads.
I'm at 160k miles and think the PO changed the TB. I say think, because I have no clue other than the evidence of turned bolt heads on the clutch fan and the overall good mechanical shape.
I need to do my belt soon-and will, but meanwhile, I'm still driving the wheels off. Call me crazy, I guess.
Its a fact that if the TB does break the engine is damaged. Bent valves at least, possibly deeper trouble as well. While nobody has posted here about a TB breakage does not change the outcome when it happens. There are several good threads on DIY belt changes. I did mine, and as long as you are careful its a straightforward job.
Pull your cover back and take a peek. Only takes 5 mins