3 questions from newbie

[Seattle4Runner]

First, let me say that I've found this forum extremely useful over the past 2/3 weeks while I've been doing research. Thanks to everyone!

I've just purchased my first 4Runner last weekend (2000 SR5 4wd) and have some questions:

1) I'd like to avoid the dealer, so can anyone recommend a good mechanic shop for 4runners in the Seattle area?

2) My mileage is at 96K and I'm not sure that the timing belt has been replaced (I think it hasn't). Can I push it to 100K or should I get it replaced right away?

3) My clutch fluid is dirty. What's the procedure for flushing this? Can I do it myself?

I won't be really driving the truck until this summer (except for once a week for groceries, etc) and would like to save some money before starting the fixes, etc.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I will upload pix tomorrow (if it's sunny).

 

[techno]

1) I'd like to avoid the dealer, so can anyone recommend a good mechanic shop for 4runners in the Seattle area?

2) My mileage is at 96K and I'm not sure that the timing belt has been replaced (I think it hasn't). Can I push it to 100K or should I get it replaced right away?

3) My clutch fluid is dirty. What's the procedure for flushing this? Can I do it myself?

Greetings to you new owner of fine automotive engineering.....
1) No. Sorry, I live in PA

2) If the belt has been done there should be a label on the timing belt cover on the front of the engine saying so and at what miles it was done. Otherwise, you can push it as far as you dare, they rarely break anyway. You should be fine until you are ready.

3)I flushed my clutch fluid on my old Nissan by purchasing a small hand powered fluid pump from the auto parts store. I connected it to the bleed nipple on the slave cylinder and reverse flushed the system by pumping the new fluid through until the master cylinder overflowed with the new stuff. Not sure if that can be done on the 4Runner or not, but I'll check the FSM tonight for more info if no one else chimes in.

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

Don't sweat the timing belt. I've got over 140k on mine, and it is still in good shape. I would prefer to replace it before it breaks, but you don't have to. The 5VZ is a non-interference engine, so the chances of hurting things if the belt breaks are minimal.

 

[p nut]

1) If in doubt, take it to the dealership or learn to do it yourself.

2) Mine is at 104k and I don't plan on changing it until the water pump starts leaking. But that's just my opinion. Dealerships recommend 90k. Others say 120k. Some owners have gone as far as 250k, while others have broken theirs at 50k. But most will develop a water pump leak before the belt breaks.

3) http://www.yotatech.com/f2/clutch-fluid-16192/