190,000 miles on original timing belt? What are the odds?

[Spicy McHaggis]

Checking out a rust free 1999 4Runner LTD with 190,000 miles on it. I’ve been unable to find any proof of the timing belt being replaced...owner hasn’t done it and CarFax doesn’t show any timing belt / water pump replacement.

What are the odds of this being the original belt?

I got a quote from my mechanic for $640 to do the water pump and timing belt, and another $130 for the tensioner (if needed).

They are asking $4000...I’m gonna offer $3400.

A rust free truck like this is priceless in Michigan - that’s why I’m considering the purchase even without knowing about the timing belt history.

Thanks!


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[thennen]

Checking out a rust free 1999 4Runner LTD with 190,000 miles on it. I’ve been unable to find any proof of the timing belt being replaced...owner hasn’t done it and CarFax doesn’t show any timing belt / water pump replacement.

What are the odds of this being the original belt?

I got a quote from my mechanic for $640 to do the water pump and timing belt, and another $130 for the tensioner (if needed).

They are asking $4000...I’m gonna offer $3400.

A rust free truck like this is priceless in Michigan - that’s why I’m considering the purchase even without knowing about the timing belt history.

Thanks!


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I replaced the timing belt, water pump, and idlers on mine at around 125k miles and the belt had not a single crack or anything. I have 140k on the second one and am planning to have someone else do that one soon. The OEM belts on these are top-grade from what I've seen and heard. So 190k is believable, but don't postpone.

I'm in Ohio and I agree - rust-free around here is worth a couple thousand dollars just by itself! You are referring to the frame, right?

 

[BamaDrewski]

Checking out a rust free 1999 4Runner LTD with 190,000 miles on it. I’ve been unable to find any proof of the timing belt being replaced...owner hasn’t done it and CarFax doesn’t show any timing belt / water pump replacement.

What are the odds of this being the original belt?

I got a quote from my mechanic for $640 to do the water pump and timing belt, and another $130 for the tensioner (if needed).

They are asking $4000...I’m gonna offer $3400.

A rust free truck like this is priceless in Michigan - that’s why I’m considering the purchase even without knowing about the timing belt history.

Thanks!


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I wrote about the timing belt on a 2001 Tacoma (same 5VZFE engine as the T4r) that got 212K on it. Take a look here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/258438-real-durability-timing-belt-water-pump-5vzfe.html

 

[Vertflex]

You can always pull the cover off and take a look at the timing belt. I bought my 2000 4runner with 160k miles on it and no history of timing belt / water pump done. My friend and I pulled the cover off and the belt still looked new.

I am jealous that it will only cost you 640$ to replace it. In Washington I've been getting quotes for 1,400$ - 2,000$...

 

[Tinigunner11]

The odds are pretty good that it’s original. I’ve bought many of these trucks with over 200k on the original belt and they did fine. The highest mileage one I’ve ever bought was a 2000 with 276k on the original timing belt. Belt was glazed over and cracking between the ribs but still ran great.

 

[TheDurk]

There is a mega-thread on YT with lots of 200k+ examples. (Yes, I read the whole dang thing when I was deciding when to do mine.) Now, what is unlikely is 200k on the original water pump. Further, leaking or seizing WPs are the leading cause of death of TBs, followed by seized idlers and failed tensioners. Truth is, they rarely die on their own, you have to kill them.

If you open the timing cover, any evidence of leakage around the WP is just as important a sign of trouble as a cracked TB.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

My 97 project had the original timing belt and water pump at 258 when it blew a head gasket.


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[Spicy McHaggis]

I replaced the timing belt, water pump, and idlers on mine at around 125k miles and the belt had not a single crack or anything. I have 140k on the second one and am planning to have someone else do that one soon. The OEM belts on these are top-grade from what I've seen and heard. So 190k is believable, but don't postpone.

I'm in Ohio and I agree - rust-free around here is worth a couple thousand dollars just by itself! You are referring to the frame, right?

Sweet. I’ll definitely be doing it right away.


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[Spicy McHaggis]

You can always pull the cover off and take a look at the timing belt. I bought my 2000 4runner with 160k miles on it and no history of timing belt / water pump done. My friend and I pulled the cover off and the belt still looked new.



I am jealous that it will only cost you 640$ to replace it. In Washington I've been getting quotes for 1,400$ - 2,000$...

Yeah that’s the quote I’ve been hearing from many people...DAMN.


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[thennen]

Sweet. I’ll definitely be doing it right away.


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Just following up - by rust-free, you're referring to the frame, right?

 

[rp2018]

I have 99 Limited 4x4 with close to 200k. I would ask $8000


1999 4Runner Limited
2018 Tacoma TRD OffRoad

 

[Spicy McHaggis]

Just following up - by rust-free, you're referring to the frame, right?

Frame and body. Solid as a rock.


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[thegipper]

Plenty of examples on here of timing belts last 200K+. Thankfully, the 5VZFE is not an interference engine so even if it breaks, you won't do any serious damage to the engine. If the truck is otherwise in good shape, don't let the TB age change your mind one way or another.

Doing the timing belt/WP on these trucks is actually pretty easy if you want to save your self some money. Otherwise, the price you got is pretty fair. I would definitely change the tensioner while you are in there (plus the cam seals and front main seal).

 

[JayRolla]

Checking out a rust free 1999 4Runner LTD with 190,000 miles on it. I’ve been unable to find any proof of the timing belt being replaced...owner hasn’t done it and CarFax doesn’t show any timing belt / water pump replacement.

What are the odds of this being the original belt?

I got a quote from my mechanic for $640 to do the water pump and timing belt, and another $130 for the tensioner (if needed).

They are asking $4000...I’m gonna offer $3400.

A rust free truck like this is priceless in Michigan - that’s why I’m considering the purchase even without knowing about the timing belt history.

Thanks!


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From what I can tell I am on original belt and water pump. 290k miles. Belt is definitely showing its age. Its parked now so I don't drive it anymore.

 

[dogtail]

I ran my original belt over 250K, still looked good when I did the whole kit. Easy to check by just pulling back the cover. Not an interference engine, so no damage if it breaks.

 

[4runner Fam]

Checking out a rust free 1999 4Runner LTD with 190,000 miles on it. I’ve been unable to find any proof of the timing belt being replaced...owner hasn’t done it and CarFax doesn’t show any timing belt / water pump replacement.

What are the odds of this being the original belt?

I got a quote from my mechanic for $640 to do the water pump and timing belt, and another $130 for the tensioner (if needed).

They are asking $4000...I’m gonna offer $3400.

A rust free truck like this is priceless in Michigan - that’s why I’m considering the purchase even without knowing about the timing belt history.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yes...I had 198k on the original timing belt. Just changed it to be preventative...here in Washington ended up at $1300 for the belt, water pump, tensioner, all new belts, and a new slave cylinder, and oil change. Good luck!

 

[AntleredRuin]

I know this is an older thread, but I'm confused as to why the tensioner is $130.
That's just pure parts mark up; you have to remove and replace the tensioner to do the belt anyways.

Buy the part yourself and provide it to the tech.

 

[BamaDrewski]

Replacing the timing belt, pulleys, tensioner, crankshaft bolt, crankshaft seal, cam seals, belts, water pump and thermostat is not difficult but it takes time. if you take your time and exhibit patience, you can get everything off Ebay (AirCabinMan) and save lots of money on labor.

It might be overkill but I replace everything (noted above) when I do mine.

I bought my boy a Toyota Tacoma with a 5VZFE engine with over 200K miles and the timing belt was cracking but not failing. Water pump was leaking and shot and the other belts were on their last leg. I think the recommended "every 90K miles" is overkill but just depends on your level of OCD with respect to the maintenance on your rig.

The great thing about DIY maintenance is that you learn alot about your rig. For me, anything I take off, I put in a ziplock bag and label it so I know what it is and where is goes back in.

 

[Mark_BC]

What's the opinion on this video about conditioning the belts so they never fail? Of course your water pump would still need replacing.

YouTube

 

[BamaDrewski]

What's the opinion on this video about conditioning the belts so they never fail? Of course your water pump would still need replacing.

YouTube

The video link requires you have the belt(s) off the vehicle to make the "magic work". If I am going into the engine and taking off belts, I am going to replace them. I understand the logic the guy has in the video but if I am putting in the sweat and labor to take the belts off - I am going for the extra peace of mind with new belts.......just saying....