I recently purchased a 96 SR5 with 235k miles, and it seems that the PO has let a lot of maintenance go. So far I have replaced the rear springs and shocks (one shock was completely broken). I have found that I have a significant leak of my valve cover gasket. I have ordered the parts for that and will be doing that in about a week. I am trying to find the source of a coolant leak. It is not a very fast leak. I topped off the coolant and it only took maybe 1/3 of a bottle of coolant, and that includes the overflow. I was going through and found that the sticker for the previous TB change is labeled that it was done at 75k miles, which would put my TB to have 160k miles on it. Anybody heard of a timing belt going that long? Or did the sticker probably not get replaced? I have not had a chance to actually check the belt yet. Anything I should look for other than obvious wear on the belt? I am hoping also that my water pump is leaking and that is the source of my leak and not a HG. Any tips or things I should look for?
TB with 160k?
- Thread starter kc9rzj
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When I changed my TB and Water Pump 2 summers ago, I estimated that they had gone at least 140k based on PO's known maintenance. I know I pushed the envelope too far and am glad I did it when I did. It was definitely time as the belt was cracking. So yes, I wouldn't be surprised to see a belt go to 160k but would err on the side of safety and change it at the recommended interval. It's easy to check the belt by unscrewing the bolts that hold the upper black plastic timing belt cover and pulling the cover back slightly to peer in.
Be sure to check idler and tensioner pulleys if you do the change. Also, I'd recommend using the factory paper water pump gasket with a thin bead of Permatex 22071 water pump & thermostat rtv on both the block surface and water pump surface. It has successfully sealed for me for the last 30k.
Last thing is I bought the recommended special service tools on Amazon (crank pulley holder and tensioner compressor) and then sold them on ebay after I was done. It was like a low-cost loaner program!
Be sure to check idler and tensioner pulleys if you do the change. Also, I'd recommend using the factory paper water pump gasket with a thin bead of Permatex 22071 water pump & thermostat rtv on both the block surface and water pump surface. It has successfully sealed for me for the last 30k.
Last thing is I bought the recommended special service tools on Amazon (crank pulley holder and tensioner compressor) and then sold them on ebay after I was done. It was like a low-cost loaner program!
diverscale
Member
It is no surprise that your belt is really 160K miles. These are not interference engines, so people tend to leave it on a while longer, and yes, there are a lot of 4runners with belts with far more mileage than that, so it is possible.
Do not assume that the sticker did not get changed.
AS FOR THE COOLANT LEAK: had a ghost leak, with the help of a member here, I did find it to be related to the REAR HEATER hoses, passenger side, under the truck. Look at the rubber pipes there, mine were worn, and the clamps were rusted to nothing, so it did leak slowly but surely.
Truck must be on and HOT for it to be leaking (pressure build-up)
Have a look there, it is easy to see and easy to fix. You'll drink some coolant though.
Thanks, I looked today, started up and then looked under the truck and guess what. It was leaking under the passenger side around the footwell. Have not had a chance to dive into it, but at least know it is not the head gasket, and you are probably (hopefully) right on where it is leaking. I will be sure to post pics when I find the source for sure.
diverscale
Member
Sounds like it, behind a small metal shield.
Had the same ''oh thanks god'' reaction when I confirmed it was not the head gasket.
jreask
Member
My first 4Runner was a 2000 that I bought with 203K miles on it. It was super clean but the timing belt was never changed. When it was changed the belt looked great. I think since it is a non interference motor, people don't get as concerned about the belt breaking thus leaving it go for longer. The guy I bought it from had no idea that it was supposed to be changed every 90K.
stir_fry_boy
New member
Several people have gone 250k+ on original timing belt and water pump. Don't know how because my idler bearings were bad at 205k, as well as my fan mount bearing. No surprises that you have gone 160k.
Found the culprit... Valve cover gasket was leaking oil onto the bottom of this guy, swelled up and busted. Now I just gotta find the part number to replace it, temporarily used some heater hose and made a U shaped pipe with some iron pipe since the hose kinked without it.
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T4R2014
Elite Member
Is your 1996 Cardinal Red? If so, you have got a very rare color my friend.
160k on a timing belt is very realistic. I drove one with 300k on the original belt. The oil was black as night and it was a mess inside and out, but that thing pulled like a bat out of hell. That 5VZ is likely to still be ticking along like clockwork with the original belt on some shitty road in Sierra Leone.
It is Cardinal Red, I never realized how rare it was until I got on here and heard about it. Definitely going to drive it proudly. Will be replacing the timing belt with my next paycheck. I need to have it repainted, it has the typical faded paint on 3/4 of the car (Driver side must have been shaded).
T4R2014
Elite Member
Before repainting, give some compound a try. These don't have a clear coat and are prone to heavy oxidation. Compounding reveals a bright red under the often faded-to-pink paint.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
A lot of people don't even know what a timing belt is and that it needs to be replaced until a shop tells them to do it. 4-cylinder vehicles usually have timing chains which are lifetime parts so they don't even think about it.
That is what I had thought, but it looks like I have clear coat pealing on the part that isn't faded yet. I will have to take some pictures and post tomorrow. Maybe someone tried to clear coat it at some point.
diverscale
Member
Glad you found it!
Still better than a head gasket
For the part number you could just go to your local toyota dealer parts counter, it may be even faster and not that expensive to get from there.
