Timing belt tensioner question

[gamefreakgc]

My fastest and easiest was 4 hours on a '97 Miata. 2nd longest was 20 hours on a '99 Camry. My longest was and still is (still putting it back together now) well over 70 hours on this T4R. It would have been about 20 hours, had I not run into all of these problems. Especially if I had noticed one of the camshaft seals, which got rolled during installation. My only excuse (lame one) is that it was on the bottom of the shaft, and I didn't see it. Then the mysterious major oil leak appeared, and it took me a very long time to narrow down the source, but I had a lot of help on here with that.

I am officially burned out on timing belts, and doubt I will ever do another one again.

That's good, because these timing belts are known to last over 200k miles. It's the water pump that will fail first but it gives you clues before it does like leaking coolant all over the place.

 

[curryT4R]

not so. lifetime does NOT mean literally as long as the vehicle survives. each manufacturer has a different meaning for "lifetime".

also, EVERYTHING will wear out. chains are a bit more durable, but they will end up needing replaced due to wear eventually...

I suppose this is true, but as far as I know Toyota/Lexus there are no timing chain issues and will last the life of the vehicle.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I suppose this is true, but as far as I know Toyota/Lexus there are no timing chain issues and will last the life of the vehicle.

The 22RE has periodic timing chain issues where the chain wears grooves into the engine block. But we're talking after 250k+ miles, that's way beyond what most vehicles ever see.

 

[phattyduck]

The timing chain is supposed to be lifetime, so if it needs to be replaced it's because the manufacturer used shitty parts or bad design.

BMW defines "lifetime" as 100k miles... So lots of people will be having fun with those 'lifetime fill' transmissions, etc. Lots of other manufacturers are moving that way too.

-Charlie

 

[curryT4R]

BMW defines "lifetime" as 100k miles... So lots of people will be having fun with those 'lifetime fill' transmissions, etc. Lots of other manufacturers are moving that way too.

-Charlie

Fair enough. My experience is only with Toyota/Lexus and typically when they say lifetime they mean it lol. There are always exceptions though

 

[nevada]

BMW defines "lifetime" as 100k miles... So lots of people will be having fun with those 'lifetime fill' transmissions, etc. Lots of other manufacturers are moving that way too.

-Charlie

Toyota does as well.

 

[wshiverick]

I've seen plenty of chain problems. Most people don't change their oil on time and vehicles with chains especially those with tensioners run by oil pressure have major issues all the time. Gimme a belted non interference any day...like the 3.4. The newish for 3 liter is awful, I've probably replaced 5 chains under 100k. Some of the audis and bmws and especially northstar engines wont even give you a warning itll just break and you're screwed. Most of the broken belts and chains I've seen though have actually been caused by an idler or tensioner pulley seizing. Belt will break right after that happens but a lot of times that what causes it. Why you always replace the pulleys tensioners and seals any time you get in there.