save_alkaline
New member
i bought my truck used and just got to thinking about the timing belt. is there any way i can tell if it has been replaced recently? the service book has no records.
is there a way to tell if my timing belt has been replaced
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2000t4r4wd
New member
Do you have a V6 or V8?
V6 has a timing chain
V8 has a timing belt
You could try calling the local dealer and see if they have any records based on the VIN.
V6 has a timing chain
V8 has a timing belt
You could try calling the local dealer and see if they have any records based on the VIN.
2000t4r4wd
New member
You are right the 3rd gen 4runners had a timing belt in the V6. Being that he posted his question in the 4th gen forum, I assume he has a 4th gen.
save_alkaline
New member
sorry. it's a V8. i tried searching for the answer which is how i knew it was a belt. haha.
manhunter
New member
I noticed that but wasn't sure if they went to a chain on the 4 gen if it was a V6. But I guess now we know, he has a V8, which would be a chain, I guess, ....
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
I just changed my belt myself with a new toyota belt. In the bag with the belt there is a sticker you write the mileage and date on and stick it in the timing belt top cover. It has a plastic protective cover that goes over the sticker. The sticker is aprox 3/4" x 3".
save_alkaline
New member
oh cool! that's pretty clever! so i just need to remove the top cover and see if i can find that on it then?
manhunter
New member
That is what it was that I saw on there after the did the change, a sticker with the date and mileage marked on it.
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
No, the sticker would be in plain sight on the outside of the cover. It is not as easy to get that cover off as it may seem.
Uneek
Super Moderator
My only guess, it's a newer engine. The V6 was introduced in 2003 with the 4th gen's debut. The 4.7 V8's been around since 1998. However, the new 5.7 V8 is also a belt. Only Toyota would truly know.
save_alkaline
New member
cool. i'll poke around and see what i can find. thanks for the info!
peter78
Super Moderator
One important thing to remember, is that your engine is a interference engine. If it breaks, damage can happen to the engine, the valves could bend. So, if you are over 90,000 miles, you are living on borrowed time. Someone reported here buying a V8 with 120,000 miles and it was not replaced. So, it could last for awhile or it may not. As Clint Eastwood would say "Do you feel lucky punk, well do you???"
save_alkaline
New member
ah.. more good info. i was curious as to whether it was an interference engine or not. i definitely plan on getting it done ASAP if i find that it's not been done already. here's to hoping it has been though.
save_alkaline
New member
this might sound dumb.. but... umm.. where might that cover be located? 
i'm not used to these toyota engines.
i'm not used to these toyota engines.
Uneek
Super Moderator
this might sound dumb.. but... umm.. where might that cover be located?
i'm not used to these toyota engines.
The timing belt cover is the black plastic piece in the picture below on the right behind the upper radiator hose.
So what is the recommended mileage for changing the timing belt on a 4thG?
I too bought my rig used, and am pretty confident that it was never changed.
And as far as the sticker thing goes ... well, it's only as good as 1) a mech/tech that uses it; 2) how honest they are. :lol:
Has anyone just let it go and had the belt brake?? It would be intersting to know how many broken belts there actually have been because of mileage.
