Interference Engine

The 4.7 is the one exception that Toyota has. They NORMALLY put belts on non-interference models only and chains on the interference engines.

The 4.7 is the one (in the last 10 years) interference engine with a timing belt. My brother confirmed all this (Toyota master mechanic)
 
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BlackWorksInc said:
Usually when a timing belt goes, you're looking at more than a broken belt regardless of engine type. Water pumps seizing are the most common way that those belts get torn up.
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Which is why you typically replace the water pump at the same time you replace the timing belt.
 
galactic_04 said:
The 4.7 is the one exception that Toyota has. They NORMALLY put belts on non-interference models only and chains on the interference engines.

The 4.7 is the one (in the last 10 years) interference engine with a timing belt. My brother confirmed all this (Toyota master mechanic)
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Thanks for taking the time to check this. Funny thing is....

When I asked the local dealership......this woman said I had a NON-interference engine without checking anything. When this happens it always makes me ask questions....which is how I ended up here. Thanks for the help.
 
Below is the response from Toyota (I e-mailed them last night and they got back to me this morning....WOW that was fast)

Mr. Martin,

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry.

Toyota does draw a distinction between engines that are interference or non-interference. Engine damage may occur, regardless of engine design, if the timing belt breaks.

We recommend replacing the timing belt every 90,000 miles or six years, whichever comes first. Please review the 'What maintenance is required on my timing belt?' Frequently Asked Question, Toyota Help Faq, for information on the timing belt maintenance schedule.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us via email or by calling 800-331-4331. We are available from 5 AM to 6 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday and from 7 AM to 4 PM, Pacific Time, on Saturdays.

Mick Cotterell
Toyota Customer Experience
 
sandp500index said:
Below is the response from Toyota (I e-mailed them last night and they got back to me this morning....WOW that was fast)

Mr. Martin,

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We appreciate the opportunity to address your inquiry.

Toyota does draw a distinction between engines that are interference or non-interference. Engine damage may occur, regardless of engine design, if the timing belt breaks.

We recommend replacing the timing belt every 90,000 miles or six years, whichever comes first. Please review the 'What maintenance is required on my timing belt?' Frequently Asked Question, Toyota Help Faq, for information on the timing belt maintenance schedule.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us via email or by calling 800-331-4331. We are available from 5 AM to 6 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday and from 7 AM to 4 PM, Pacific Time, on Saturdays.

Mick Cotterell
Toyota Customer Experience
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Translation:
Mr. Martin,
We feel that you will incur damage and should run to the dealer immediately and spend every penny they try to get you to so you can minimize the risk. We have documented that you're past timing belt date and noted that in you car's file at the dealer, your warranty is now VOID. Thank you for spending money with us
 
While I haven't heard of a V8 belt going, after taking to my co workers apparently they don't break that often. It doesn't hurt to take care of it before it goes. If you do take it to a dealership for the work, make sure you itemize everything and have it clearly documented what they will do. With a job like that, its easy to spend a ton of money, ( Some times its worth it, but often at dealer price its almost ridiculously expensive) not all dealerships are evil, but they aren't cheap either... :( if I had my way Its either get paid more or not gouge the customer as much, since as the technician I don't make more than a third of that cost if the service writer decides to share. Not trying to rag on the writers, but a lot if them nickle and dime not only the customer, but the technicians as well.
 
BlackWorksInc said:
While I haven't heard of a V8 belt going, after taking to my co workers apparently they don't break that often. It doesn't hurt to take care of it before it goes. If you do take it to a dealership for the work, make sure you itemize everything and have it clearly documented what they will do. With a job like that, its easy to spend a ton of money, ( Some times its worth it, but often at dealer price its almost ridiculously expensive) not all dealerships are evil, but they aren't cheap either... :( if I had my way Its either get paid more or not gouge the customer as much, since as the technician I don't make more than a third of that cost if the service writer decides to share. Not trying to rag on the writers, but a lot if them nickle and dime not only the customer, but the technicians as well.
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My wife's car (03 Sienna) was quoted at between $700 and $750 for the belt and the water pump. The local dealer quoted me $650 for the belt and water pump for my 4Runner.

So, even though my 4runner is 7 years old, I may be able to wait since it only has 45k. Would you feel comfortable waiting 3-4 years to get to 90k?
 
My '04 is only at 87k right now, and I'll change it somewhere between 90-95k for my own peace of mind. I would say 3-4 years would be pushing it, but honestly? Probably doable.

Side Note; sorry if I sounded grumpy with my earlier rant. Its just you guys all bash on the dealerships so much and well... I work at one! and I'm not that bad... am I? O_o
 
BlackWorksInc said:
My '04 is only at 87k right now, and I'll change it somewhere between 90-95k for my own peace of mind. I would say 3-4 years would be pushing it, but honestly? Probably doable.

Side Note; sorry if I sounded grumpy with my earlier rant. Its just you guys all bash on the dealerships so much and well... I work at one! and I'm not that bad... am I? O_o
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Thanks for your help. It makes the decision making a lot easier. If you ever need help with anything related to investment, insurance and banking just send me a PM...I could at least help you with that.
 
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