Timing chain or belt?

[acf]

On the 97 Cruiser... I think it has a chain? So theres' not a replacemnt interval for it?

Also, how often do you guys change the engine coolant? Every 30k or is that overkill?

 

[PHAEDRUS]

its a chain,
and I change mine out every other spring, getting ready to do it probably on wednesday when I put in the lowre rad hose and change out the thermostat.
Dave

 

[Safado]

Chain....every summer.

 

[cruiserdan]

Chain....every summer.

Changing the timing chain every summer is a bit overkill

 

[Landpimp]

and real Cruisers(92 and before) use a gear.......no silly chains or belts

sorry just being a PITA

 

[Eduardo96FZJ80]

Changing the timing chain every summer is a bit overkill

You sir, are a real wiesenhiemer (sp)

 

[Doc]

I'm assuming the 93 I drvie has a belt then?

Yuck. I much prefer timing chains to timing belts.

 

[PHAEDRUS]

Pimp be nice, he is a newbie and I did not want to confuse him worse than I had too.
but thanks for the useless info!!!
Dave

 

[NorCalDoug]

I'm assuming the 93 I drvie has a belt then?

Yuck. I much prefer timing chains to timing belts.

Nope 93-97 is a chain, not a belt. 100 series has a belt.

 

[RavenTai]

I'm assuming the 93 I drvie has a belt then?.

nope, my understanding:
92- direct gear,**
93-97 chain,
98+ belt



** is the 3FE a pushrod motor?

 

[cruiserdan]

** is the 3FE a pushrod motor?

Yup, 'tis indeed.

 

[PHAEDRUS]

beautiful bulletproof gutless pushrod, 12 valves and no hydraulics
3FE POWA,
to quote a kunz,
Dave

 

[Beowulf]

>> Also, how often do you guys change the engine coolant? Every 30k or is that overkill? <<

Change the coolant more often than Toyota specifies. Many of us on this board are doing and recommending annual changes (15k miles max.) Monitor the condition of the cooling system very closely as we've had many 96 & 97's with clogged radiators and other cooling system issues. The fan clutches are failing in the 100 - 150k range. Do NOT mix coolant types in these engines. I would strongly recommend a good cooling system flush, a new radiator cap, and a new thermostat on any engine that has unknown history.

-B-

 

[acf]

Ok, thanks.

Every other year or so for the chain? Why so often? I'm pretty sure the chain has never been replaced on the 100k miles one I'm looking at. In fact, I'm pretty sure the dealer never recommended it. I thought a belt would be more of a pain.

 

[Beowulf]

acf,

You have to read between the lines.

fAvE was saying he changes coolant every other year. He also has the 3FE engine with a cast iron block and cast iron head. His engine does not experience the issues with the cooling system that we have with the aluminum head 1FZ-FE engines.

The timing chain on your 1FZ-FE engine does not need replacement until the first engine over-haul. Most of us expect our first rebuild to be at 300k miles or longer.

-B-

 

[landtank]

Run it til it breaks and then come crying to us about the repair bill.

 

[PHAEDRUS]

-B- is on it,
the timing chain is not an annual item but the coolant probably is. I have had my truck for two years and while I keep thinking I will skip a year I keep changing it out every spring.
also -B- is correct on the rad cap and the fan clutch. if you are at 100k just do it. the cap and clutch will be under $120. and worth the peace of mind.
Dave

 

[acf]

Ok, thanks. Makes much more sense now.