Please advise…Timing belt tensioner go bang. (11 Viewers)

[JungleMunkee]

I’m seeking advice on my 2001 Land Cruiser. I heard a slapping sound recently then it started running horribly like when my ignition could went out. Codes for right bank cylinders and more. The shop wouldn’t dig in because they recommended engine replacement after hearing rod knock and telling me to hit the bricks. I have done a good bit to this vehicle and it’s at 287,500 miles. It’s in pretty good shape but not immaculate. I’m torn on what to do. Is this a killer and don’t bother going in? Should I still find out if the engine interfered, assuming I can get the guts of tensioner and bolt threads out of the block? Is finding a lower mileage used or remanned engine viable at $2.5-5k minimum if I do it myself? Thank you for any help. I did buy a 2008 LX since I can’t be without a vehicle right now.

 

[04UZJ100]

2001 is a non-interference engine.

 

[JungleMunkee]

2001 is a non-interference engine.

Oh I haven’t heard that. I thought all 2UZ were. So there’s hope?

 

[04UZJ100]

Oh I haven’t heard that. I thought all 2UZ were. So there’s hope?

Yes several documented TB failures without issue.

 

[JungleMunkee]

To be clear, I’m only at 68k miles on this belt but I didn’t use oem. It was before I knew to be that picky. Their belt was noticeably thinner than the oem.

 

[vipergrhd]

Whoa! Take it nice and slow, why don't you find some real mechanics and have them inspect it if you don't wrench. Like others said, it's a non interference engine find out why the tensioner snapped the bolts, I would stick a new timing belt and tensioner and check it from there. One step at a time and I'm sure it will be alright. The clowns that told you need an engine don't you ever go back there not even for a free oil change.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Toyota publishes that it's an interference motor but real world experience has found that it's not (except for the vvti engines, those are). I would do more testing before you start looking for an engine. Compression, leak down, etc. Would be curious how the shop heard rod knock, did they start the motor with no timing belt on it?

 

[vipergrhd]

Toyota publishes that it's an interference motor but real world experience has found that it's not (except for the vvti engines, those are). I would do more testing before you start looking for an engine. Compression, leak down, etc. Would be curious how the shop heard rod knock, did they start the motor with no timing belt on it?

It must be these clowns.

 

[JungleMunkee]

Toyota publishes that it's an interference motor but real world experience has found that it's not (except for the vvti engines, those are). I would do more testing before you start looking for an engine. Compression, leak down, etc. Would be curious how the shop heard rod knock, did they start the motor with no timing belt on it?

Yes they did but I did too, before them. I tried 2 new coils I had as spares after last time and started the engine to see if it was better. It ran at first but doesn’t after that.

 

[JungleMunkee]

Whoa! Take it nice and slow, why don't you find some real mechanics and have them inspect it if you don't wrench. Like others said, it's a non interference engine find out why the tensioner snapped the bolts, I would stick a new timing belt and tensioner and check it from there. One step at a time and I'm sure it will be alright. The clowns that told you need an engine don't you ever go back there not even for a free oil change.

I do some wrenching but usually with YouTube and this forum as my guide. I don’t have engine experience besides one timing belt change.

 

[vipergrhd]

Yes they did but I did too, before them. I tried 2 new coils I had as spares after last time and started the engine to see if it was better. It ran at first but doesn’t after that.

What you heard could be the belt start slapping around, possibly also when the tensioner snapped. Post some pictures of the damage when you get it torn down.

 

[JungleMunkee]

What you heard could be the belt start slapping around, possibly also when the tensioner snapped. Post some pictures of the damage when you get it torn down.

Ok I’ll dig in. Hopefully, while I’m still furloughed. Need it to last just long enough but not too long lol. Thank y’all for the help.

 

[vipergrhd]

When you tear down avoid turning the engine until everything is exposed, you get to see where the cams and crank are and hopefully find the cause of failure. I would order an Aisin kit with the tensioner unless you want to pay for Toyota for individual parts. The only thing that concerns me is the broken bolts for the tensioner I hope it won't require an extractor to get out start soaking it with PB or use brake fluid which works if you give it time to soak.

 

[nissanh]

OEM belt and OEM tensioner is what I go with these days! My tensioner AISIN kit after 10 years started to show some leakage. I am on my t-belt service soon on my 3rd gen 4runner (after 15 years 60K miles, OEM belt still looks pretty good), I bought Toyota Belt and the tensioner.

 

[Moparsncruisers]

Oh damn! I'm guessing those bolts weren't tightened when the timing bent was replaced! Replace the belt/tensioner again and call it a day...