Timing Belt- Need Advice

[94yotarunner]

Hey.

I'm doing some overall maintenance on my 2nd Gen to get ready for the next year. I live away from my parents so I take advantage of the summer to have my repairs paid for. Anyways, I needed some info on the timing belt for my 94 4Runner sr5 v6.
Should I replace the timing belt (its never been replaced as far as I know)? Now, please don't give me a 'if its not broke dun fix it' answer please, let me explain. On the newer models there are timing belts that break and simply come off, the car gets fixed and its 'all better'. It just gets switched, no problem. On older models, the timing belt breaks in mid flight and it ruins the engine, or atleast does some permanent damage and you have to completely tear apart the engine to replace it. Now, my question is, when was the switch from the older timing belts made on 4Runners. I've asked numerous mechanics in my area and they're all morons, and I haven't really looked into it much more than that, so I was just wondering if any of you know... what type of timing belt the 1994 4Runners had. So basically, do I need to replace it anyways because it will kill my engine when it breaks, or can I just replace it when it breaks because it won't cause any damage to my engine. Did that make sense?

Thanks for any suggestions, help, and references to where I can look for this information. I'm Nic by the way.

 

[Good Times]

Nic:

I think the timing belt should be replaced every 80-90k miles so you don't have to worry about any problems on the long run Better safe than sorry. These things are only 30-40 bucks so it's well worth the change.

If you look at your belt and see that it's starting to fray, then it's definitely a good time to do the switch.

Good luck and if you're planning to this on your own, make sure you have a big bro watching over ya to make sure you're installing it correctly.

 

[peter78]

I look up a site about timing belts and it shows that the belt should be changed at 60,000 miles and that it is a non-interference type engine.

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=981&location_id=524

This site explains "interference" and "non-interference" engines and shows the 3.0 V6 to be a non-interference engine, but that is just one source. Other owners might chime in.

As far as cost, it is usually best to change the water pump and the regular belts, radiator fluid and if a dealer does it, expect to shell out 500 bucks.

 

[94yotarunner]

Thanks a lot

It helped a lot to know that its called 'interference' and 'non interference or freerunning' engines... so that I could look it up. I was working on a vague description that the mechanic had explained, but you helped a lot.
On the good side, my runner's (well, all 4Runners are) a free running engine which means that there is no demage sustained when the timing belt loses synchronization. On the bad side, I'm right near 120k and its recommended to change every 60k. LOL, I just can't save money. I guess I'll have it checked if I'm gonna have the engine messed with anyway, but if not then I guess I'll just wait it out see when it goes.

Thats what I love about this website. A firestone mechanic couldn't find out if my 4Runner was a freerunning or interference engine, but someone on the site helped me look it up and in less than a day I might add. Again, thanks a lot.

 

[CMiYC]

Re: Thanks a lot

On the good side, my runner's (well, all 4Runners are) a free running engine

Well.. Careful there. Only the 3.0L V6 is free-running. The 4.7L V8 is not. (Remember most of Toyota's trucks share the same engines.)

 

[94yotarunner]

Well, yeah

I stand corrected.

 

[peter78]

Well.. Careful there. Only the 3.0L V6 is free-running. The 4.7L V8 is not. (Remember most of Toyota's trucks share the same engines.)

You are right the 4.7 V8 is a interference engine, but my 3.4 V6 is free running or non-interference. So it is best not to say "only", I would look up each engine to see what it is.

As far as having 120K miles, that is great. I noticed the site said 60,000 miles servere, so I guess yours lasted longer. My 2001 model 3.4 should be changed at 90,000. I am tempted to go pass that 90,000.

I currently have a Honda Accord with 173,000 miles and I have to change the the timing belt a second time at 180,000 miles. Since it is a interference engine, I am not risking a ruined engine, but at 500 bucks it is going to hurt.