Need Opinion on Picture of Timing Belt

[TejasRunner01]

Hey everyone,

I have an 08 V8 with 166k and no proof that the timing belt and water pump have ever been replaced. The only indicator was a paint pen writing on the cowl that says "timing belt/wp 108k" - hardly proof.

With this being an interference engine, I will probably go ahead and get this replaced for peace of mind. I did peak under the driver cam shaft cover and was pleasantly surprised that there was no visible cracking on the belt.

If this picture was one of the only metrics you had to go on, would you think this could be the original belt based on appearance alone?

Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G970U1 using Tapatalk

 

[SurferUK]

There's no price on peace of mind, and whatever it costs will be less than a new engine. I did cambelt and water pump/idlers on all my previous used vehicles straight after buying as a matter of course unless there was 100% proof it had been done recently.

 

[Reinout]

If you're already questioning whether or not you should replace the TB and WP you should just go ahead and do it.

 

[physicalfitness]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99hQ8AowTig

i heard lots of stuff regarding my 2uz-fe 'interference' engine.

this engine breakdown of a 2uz with destroyed timing belt should put your mind at ease

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Yup, that does indeed look like a timing belt!

Snark aside, a visual inspection of the timing belt is next to useless; the type of rubber/polymer the belts are made from ages weirdly and inconsistently. I have had belts that came off an engine that had 50k on it look like cracked garbage (it was 12+yrs old) and I have had a belt that came off a 150K engine that was never replaced look almost brand new if it wasn't for the mild glazing streaks.

These timing belts don't wear/crack as visibly and consistently as the drive belt does, that's why Toyota has a Time & Mileage interval for them.

If it's been on the vehicle for 9yr/90k or longer get it replaced, the longest I would personally push it is 10yr/100k.

~

Also in regards to the Interference Engine, it does have the protentional of valves to impact the cylinders if the belt breaks while at a decent RPM. I have had some luck with the Non-VTTi V8's breaking a belt and not bending valves; ended up throwing a belt on them and sending them on their way. But I wouldn't rely on it.

 

[joec500]

Not only that, but if a flying belt gets caught up in other spinning parts, that could be a disaster too. When in doubt it's better to pay $900-1200 now than regret it later IMO

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Not only that, but if a flying belt gets caught up in other spinning parts, that could be a disaster too. When in doubt it's better to pay $900-1200 now than regret it later IMO

At least on the 1MZ, 3MZ, 5VZ, and 2UZ when the belt breaks I've seen them mostly just bunch up around the crank and sometimes get sucked into the crank seal and damage it. The covers do a decent job of containing the "explosion" of rubber and fibers, but it can be a mess to untangle it all usually.

 

[AudiQU4TTRO]

I recently did my Timing belt. I did a water pump, thermostat, fan clutch bracket, idlers, and drive belt. When I took the Timing belt off it looked like it was in great shape. The PO had no idea when it had been done and she knows she had not done it in the last 4 years or 80k. I was happy to know the belt looked like it was almost brand new, but I have the peace of mind that it is done.
Really starting to like the reliability of the 4Runner.
I have the 4.7 V8. Not sure about the 4.0.