Timing Belt Replacement Questions

[LXPearl]

I have never heard of one breaking even with several reporting over 180K miles on it. The 90K is conservative and safe for a change.

I do not intend to go past 120K when the spark plugs need changing, I may change the plugs before that.

BMWstoy - is the first time I heard someone state the 4.7L is non-interferance. I have always heard it was an interferance engine - so if the Timing belt breaks, you will have costly engine repairs.

I have heard costs between $500 - 1500 with starter contacts, water pump, and tensioner.

 

[fishin]

Thank you to everyone for the good info.

Kitkraft, how many miles do you have now? Is it still running well? How is your interior holding up (seats, steering wheel cover, etc.)?

Thanks again,
Brett

 

[kitkraft]

Brett, I now have almost 218,000 miles. The leather on the front buckets is ratty with a tear in the driver seat. The truck still looks very nice from a short distance but closer inspection reveals a few scratches here and there along with a not quite right front end that has been subjected to 3 collisions and poor dealer repair. Steering wheel is worn and I need to remove that fake wood which is showing its age. I've been quoted 1200 for custom recovering of the leather seats...front and back.
I have never kept a vehicle more than 3 years or so, however, I love this LC like nothing else..well, the 911 was close but quite spendy......I'm drving it til in falls apart and then I'll get another.....
OBTW, my timing belt looked fine when it came out, but you never know when you run them too long....step on it too hard and it could snap. I read somewhere that, unlike previous engines, the Toy V-8s were non-interference....whether or not that is true, its ifoolish to neglect the timing belt as I did...when she hits 315,000 miles, I'll do 'er again!..lol.....
My 90K service with new timing belt and water pump as about 1600, I think.
Good luck with your 99!

 

[mscott]

I was just quoted $1400 from the 3rd party Toyota shop I take it to. I'm now at 104K. Need to do it before 120 to keep my mind off of it.

 

[DMX84]

I see no reason to do the starter......its not like the water pump where the labor is almost nill for the pump when doing the belt. but do have a spare starter already

think I paid $700 for my 90K, I had the tensioners already but t-belt, water pump, t-stat, serpitine belt and fluids all came from the dealer

$700?? That sounds lower than I have heard for all that.

Can you give a list of everything you had the dealer do for that price?

You’ll learn that about John…he’s always finding the best deals on everything! Probably one of the luckiest guys here, and certainly one of the nicest too.
DMX

 

[NMuzj100]

I get ads from my local Toyota dealer for $329 V8 timing belt replacement every month. Go buy some wiper blades or oil drain gaskets to get on the mailing list.

They will try and add water pump, tensioners ect.. to pad the bill but just make it clear that you want to see the old parts on anything they think needs replaced.

 

[ed94r]

We did the belt on my wife's (easy miles) LX @ 90K and the belt was soft and thin. It was time for the belt to get outta there. Did the pullies, plugs, and WP while I was in there. The hardest part was removing the radiator! Lots of bolts/brackets for a first timer. Oh, and lots of radiator fluid too...it took almost 3 gallons to (drain first) then refill. Plugs looked OK, but the gaps were stretched@ 90K.

The shop did me right as I spend alot of $$$ there on the rest of my vehicles. $800 total, including lubing chassis and parts. I supplied the Water Wetter and Toyota Rad fluid.

Glad I don't have to get this done often...Truck run no differently, maybe a wee bit smoother due to the plugs...

Ed

 

[CrusrDug]

Since Gates has this as an "interference engine" is everyone in agreement?

Out of curiousity, what is the benefit for the engine to be set up this way? Why even take the chance of designing an interference type engine that could cause further damage if the belt breaks? There must be a benefit that outways the potential damage.

 

[BMWSTOY]

Benefit = Higher compression and better performance from what I read.

B.T.W., I was not the first to be told by Toyota and type that it was non - read the second posting of this tread.

I do plan on doing the belt myself, but don't think I have the mechanical skills to get inside and take a look - I am sure someone has, we just need to reach them to clarify this.

 

[donco]

Skill level isn't that difficult. The job is involved but not difficult. You will need a few specialty tools that you can borrow or rent such as a 3/4" or 1" drive torque wrench to re-torque the harmonic balancer bolt on the end of the crankshaft. I also made a custom bracket to hold the harmonic balancer to keep the engine from turning while tightening the bolt, a simple device made from 1/4" steel plate with a few holes drilled in it and some sleeves to bolt it to the existing threaded holes in the harmonic balancer.

What helped me the most was organizing everything when taking it apart. While removing each subcomponent, I put the bolts & small pieces in a baggie with a slip of paper with notes about which part when where. I segregated everything in separate boxes. Take lots of pictures as you take things apart & keep a clipboard handy to take notes.

I have a .pdf tech manual excerpt describing the entire job, which was most helpful for torque values and the order in which to put stuff back together. Send me a private message or e-mail and I will send you a copy.

Buy a couple cheapie spring clamps to clip the new belt onto the cogs to keep the timing marks aligned when threading it on. It won't stay put until the idlers and tensioner are put back.

As for parts, I bought everything from the dealer & used factory new belt, water pump/gasket, & idlers. I didn't replace the seals or tensioner since they didn't show any signs of leaking. I will do them the next time at 200k miles.

 

[BMWSTOY]

Never meant to threadjack - but thanks to Donco - all my questions are answered and this should answer the original question - to the top!

It really concerns me, but does not surprise me, that my dealer did not know what they were talking about when they told me that it was a non-interferrence engine. After reading the FSM on the timing belt change - it is an interferrence engine and if the belt breaks, there is a possiblity of further catastrphic damage - even during the install.

Please accept my appologies: I typed after my stealership "advised me" incorrectly and I should not have.

What does this mean to us with over 100K on our clocks - CHANGE THAT BELT.

Look for my thread with photos on the job in the near future - very similar to my V6 4Runner that I did on yotatech.com

 

[marques]

Just another data point... I just chaged my timing belt this past weekend. With about 7 years and 107k miles my timing belt looked just fine.