Timing belts on our non-interference 1MZ's

[mig0s]

Sup guys, So I'm sure it happened to a lot of you: you bought a used car and have no idea if the previous owner changed the timing belt or not.

Now I know that our V6 engines are non-interference and as far as I acknowledge, if the timing belt snaps, the engine would simply shut down and I can tow the car to a garage, they'll change the timing belt and that's it, right?

What I want to know is, is it ok to just wait for the timing belt to snap? Is there any other "secondary effects" if it snaps or nothing will happen, I just change the belt and that's it?

[1gSE]

Belt and pulleys. Its also a good idea to change the water pump since it involves the same work. Dont wait till the belt breaks, its gonna happen at the most inconvenient time.

[mig0s]

The thing is I don't know if the previous owner changed the belt or not. I'm at 104k now, it would be stupid to change the timing belt and water pumps if it is already done at 100k. I'm just wondering if there's any 'side effects' to let the belt snap and change it after.

[02slera]

i bought mine at 105k miles and have no idea if it was ever changed. at 160k now and no problems. but now that i've posted this it will probably break on my way to work tomorrow.

[ThurzNite]

I'm confused, is changing the timing belt difficult? I'm pretty sure it's not expensive at all. If you're being cautious, just change it for peace of mind. Just keep in mind that Toyota Certified Pre-Owned says nothing about mandatory belt change. So even if you bought it from the dealer, you're kinda taking the same risk as buying private.

Official Toyota word is every 90k or 6 years. If going by the 6 years interval, it's been 12 years, it's time to change. Change it anyways. Have you inspected the belt? Does it look greasy, dried out, or cracked? As for the water pump, up to you. I favor not touching it till you get symptoms (over heat?)

http://www.toyota.com/help/faq-service.html
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repair ... 5280092310

Dr J

[1gSE]

The thing is I don't know if the previous owner changed the belt or not

that statement alone is the reason why I would. Better safe than sorry. I bought mine with a 122k and I had mine changed within 3 weeks of buying it mainly because I was planning and 3k mile trip in less than a month. It cost me about 450 to have it changed

[JonB]

The thing is I don't know if the previous owner changed the belt or not. I'm at 104k now, it would be stupid to change the timing belt and water pumps if it is already done at 100k. I'm just wondering if there's any 'side effects' to let the belt snap and change it after.

Take a look at the belt and see if it is starting to crack. If not you could probably push it a little longer if you drive easy. I've been into Toyotas for awhile and have never known someone to have a belt break but I've known two people who had Toyota water pumps fail at just over 100K. If your timing belt hasn't been done then the water pump probably hasn't either.

[DSM_Lara]

This is what I bought for preparing for a timing belt change. Of course me being me I like to get OEM parts because they last long. I would recommend getting a OEM water pump.
13568-09080 // Timing Belt
13505-20010 // Idler Sub Tensioner
13503-0A010 // Idler Sub
90311-38034 // Seal <<<<need 2
90311-40022 // Seal
90916-03129 // Thermostat
16325-62010 // ^^^^ Gasket
16100-29085 // Water Pump
90916-02401-83 // V-Belt
90080-91088-83 // Power Steering Belt
I will also will be doing a trans, coolant and oil flush. It's your choice if you want to do these.
00272-SLLC2 // Toyota Pink Coolant
90915-YZZD1 // OEM Oil Filter
My car should feel brand new after these are done.

[Jendrix]

Sup guys, So I'm sure it happened to a lot of you: you bought a used car and have no idea if the previous owner changed the timing belt or not.

Now I know that our V6 engines are non-interference and as far as I acknowledge, if the timing belt snaps, the engine would simply shut down and I can tow the car to a garage, they'll change the timing belt and that's it, right?

What I want to know is, is it ok to just wait for the timing belt to snap? Is there any other "secondary effects" if it snaps or nothing will happen, I just change the belt and that's it?

Really sorry to revive a year old thread but it is impossible to find a straight answer googling this question. How did you know for sure your 1MZ was a non-interference? I have an 01 V6 Solara and I'm realllyyy hoping mine is also a non-interference because I cannot afford the timing belt swap right now nor do I have the skill, time, or tools to do it myself.

[Jendrix]

Never mind. Dealership confirmed non-interference but said that because of the dual overhead cams, could still suffer valve to valve interference.

[mig0s]

^^ Well the 1mz-fe is non-interference... I've read it on a repair book that has all the engines specs. Plus, everybody says it lol...

[Billdo]

Correct me if Im wrong here but the 02 4cyls with the 2.4 have timing chains correct? If so what would be the recommended servicing on them? Dealer never says anything and Ive been there around 105k and then 110k

[ACProductions]

Correct me if Im wrong here but the 02 4cyls with the 2.4 have timing chains correct? If so what would be the recommended servicing on them? Dealer never says anything and Ive been there around 105k and then 110k

It's been my experience that chains can generally go 110 - 120k and even longer in some cases. Chains are much more durable then a belt which should be changed every 60k-80k.

[TheGreenDutch]

You might be able to tell if the bolts have signs of being moved or turned. I guess there's not much unless you physically see cracks. Does your engine has a leak around the belt cover area? 'I'm not sure myself but dig right in with a flashlight and look around. If not the average prices for that job should be 450 to maybe 750. If you got the cash then get it done and have the security of knowing you did it already.

[frohboy33]

Correct me if Im wrong here but the 02 4cyls with the 2.4 have timing chains correct? If so what would be the recommended servicing on them? Dealer never says anything and Ive been there around 105k and then 110k

It's been my experience that chains can generally go 110 - 120k and even longer in some cases. Chains are much more durable then a belt which should be changed every 60k-80k.

Chains do not need to be changed. They are designed for the life of the car. Its only the belts that need to be changed which is recommended by toyota at 90k.