280K miles on original timing belt?

[azcat90]

I have a 97 4Runner that I bought last year from the original owner. He can't recall having the timing belt/water pump replaced. Is it possible to go 280K on one timing belt or water pump?

 

[the great him]

I have a 97 4Runner that I bought last year from the original owner. He can't recall having the timing belt/water pump replaced. Is it possible to go 280K on one timing belt or water pump?

yes, but im sure it could use a change... they are not prone to failure, typically the water pump will start leaking before the belt needs to be replaced, but at this age and mileage it would not hurt to do them both given the situation. -fwiw, these are non-interference motors, meaning that if the belt breaks no damage will occur. your truck will simply die, and you will coast to the side of the road... once an new belt is installed you will be good as new -if you have to replace a belt, replace the water pump and thermostat at least. if you have no signs of oil leaks in there do not touch anything else. id also do a coolant flush while im at it.

 

[Supermoney]

I'd say definitely get it done and go for another 280k.

Check compression too, just incase you need to get a head gasket.

 

[Ask10]

Although it depends of course on how the truck was treated during it's lifetime, I really doubt it made 280k.

My father is the original owner of his truck and at 175k the belt was cracked pretty badly.

Here's his belt I just replaced.



Either or, get a new belt, no reason not too eh?

 

[Robb235]

I'm just shy of 250k miles. Previous owner couldn't provide any evidence of a timing belt change, and hadn't done it himself, so I assume it's the original one. I've got the parts I need in the garage, but haven't gotten around to changing it.

 

[azcat90]

5VZ-FE forgiving

Thanks - I was hoping he just didn't remember - if it was interference i would not have driven it at all. Belt change is just more than I can handle with my tools/ability so I'll have to take it to a garage.

 

[Dee3]

240k on my 98 and honestly I am unsure if the belt has been changed. No receipts or sticker and one dirty old engine.. But it does run great. I think better than my 02 with 100k