Oldest timing belt you've ever seen?

[2001LC]

Timing belt is the strongest, longest lasting, least expensive part we need be concerned with during a T-belt job.

The tension can be pulled as can be the fan bracket for inspection without going into belt area, but who does this! Water pump leak can also be detected once bad enough in most cases, if one knows the sign and watches. But bearings, failing water pump gasket leading to electralizes on block are near impossible to detect.

Weeping water pump but not detectable at timing belt lower cover weep hole. Water pumps weep as it's bearing is failing.

Over time the water pump gasket may start to fail. As this happens it traps old coolant that starts eating gasket and block. In a system that's had old coolant in too long, tap water or "some" non Toyota coolant mixed in this "will" happen 90% of the time! Even in a perfectly maintained coolant system this "may" happen.

By doing a timing belt job we can mitigate damage and keep block in good condition.

This rusty Bearing is shot at 98K miles. This one came from WI (the rust belt) in which is was subject high levels of moisture. Another 10, 20, 30K or ? and this bearing would take out the belt. Funny thing is, Lexus Dealership did belt job ~8K earlier but did not replace the one bearing nor the tensioner, both were on the way out.

 

[Spike555]

If you are doing your underhood check once a week like you're supposed to you will notice a drop in the coolant level, then you inspect for leaks, including the water pump area.

You will also notice a drop in brake fluid, power steering fluid and engine oil.

This check takes literally 1min from hood up to hood down if you do it before the first start of the day.
I do mine every Sunday.
I check tire pressure once a month, first Sunday of the month. Takes 5min max.
Twice a year I remove the spare tire, inspect for damage and tire pressure. Lube spare tire winch, clean spare and put it back.

If you guys are doing your do diligence you will notice potential problems before they are problems.

Know your truck. Watch your gauges. Listen foir unusual noises. Investigate.

 

[FxFormat]

^^^agreed, every fillup I usually pop the hood and take my edc flashlight out. I mean waiting for 22 gallons to go into the tank takes and awfully long time.

 

[lowenbrau]

This was on my '02 Sequoia. Wasn't original but sure wasn't new.

 

[Rey]

Looking for some opinion on the condition of my timing belt.
Background: 2001 Land Cruiser 197k, I'm the 3rd owner no previous history of when the timing belt was last changed.
Removed the driver side cove and took the attached pic.
No question it will need to be replaced in the near future, however I see no obvious degradation, cracks, rots any indication of an imminent failure.
Any feedback is much appreciated.

 

[SteveH]

@Rey Looking for some opinion on the condition of my timing belt.

I think you're fine for the near future, but I would not wait long. There could be another section in worse shape that you can't (or haven't) seen.