Timing chain lesson

[steffan]

Same old story: Pickup was ticking at higher RPM - everything pointed to timing chain (already adjusted the valves - probably within specs). Had replaced the entire exhaust earlier for a manifold leak and rusty pipe. With 180k miles, unknown history, and for $100 I figured I would feel better either way. After pulling it apart found all Japan parts (factory?). The old chain tensioner had a little ware but looked all but new. The same for the guides: a little ware on one side and some ghosting on the other. Since I had it apart, i went ahead and swapped it all out - there still seems to be some controversy on the plastic vs metal guides but having picked out plastic parts on other trucks, i went with the metal.
Anyone with experience - how many miles would you guess are on this timing setup?
Even though the chain didn't seem to indicate anything suspect I was still happy with the project because I straightened some misplaced hoses and missing screws and was able to inspect everything. Buttoned it up and crossed my fingers. Good news - no leaks... bad news, ticking was worse!

 

[steffan]

so back to the drawing board. i felt i had ruled out all the major mechanical factors so went looking for smaller items - in hindsight, something i should have done first hand. that being said, the noice was very metallic and yet hard to pin point even with a stethoscope or hose. Started pulling drive belts off, one by one, thinking maybe a pulley was doing it even though i had checked everything when i had it apart the first time. low and behold - the $6 alternator belt! less than 6 months old/ 5k miles
not sure what happened - doesn't even look like the same belt compared to the new one.
i guess at least now i have piece of mind

 

[pappy]

I've never had any luck with non-Toyota belts. Even Gates. That said, I checked my belts a few months ago and noticed that the alternator belt didn't look very good. Normally I change belts at 50K, just cuz, and they only have around 30K on them now.

All three were bought from Toyota, but unlike previous Toyota belts they didn't say "Toyota" on them.

• Alternator says "made in USA."
• AC says "made in Mexico."
• PS says "Denso/Goodyear."

Because the alternator belt didn't look so hot I bought new belts, again from Toyota ... yet to be installed.

• Alternator belt says "Toyota/Mitsuboshi made in Japan."
• AC says "Denso made in Mexico."
• PS "Denso made in Mexico."

I have a bunch of old belts stashed. I keep them in the truck in case of issues and will look after the club breakfast.

 

[steffan]

for the landcruiser i have always purchased toyota brand if, for nothing else, the noise the ribbed belts make. i'm hoping this was a fluke and everything will be fine for a couple of years. stay tuned

 

[KLF]

I had the timing belt done on our '04 Highlander (3MZ V6 engine) about 18 months ago. I didn't feel like doing it so I had it done at a local indy shop but using all OEM parts, including pulleys, pump, belts, etc. The car only gets used in the winter when the IS250C is in storage. Last fall it would squeal for a few seconds when my wife would start it up, then the noise would go away, so I assumed it was the power steering belt, no big deal. Well, the noise got gradually worse, until a couple of weeks ago it was a deafening screech that I swear sounded like one of the timing belt idlers was losing it's bearing. Figured I better take a look.

Started the car up cold, yup, really bad screech. WOW it was loud. Took off the alternator belt. Noise GONE. Huh. OEM belt had less than 10000 miles on it, but the alternator and AC compressor that it drives (both original) felt nice and smooth, no bearing issues. Put the belt back on, reversed, and just a tiny bit tighter. Noise hasn't come back yet.

 

[muddpigg]

I've found that quality parts sources are very wishie-washie. What may have been a sure manufacturer at one point in time may not be so years later. Sometimes it seems like a gamble.

 

[old87yota]

It always helps to clean off any residue on the pulleys left by the old belt before you put the new belt on.

Belt quality in particular seems to be very wishie-washie these days.