timing belt
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03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
Yours is a V6.You do not have a timing belt, only the V8 does.
No timing belt but to be sure they had maintenance revenue, they did not use the iridium plugs (in the V6) and put in ones that, according to my dealer, need to be replaced every 15K miles. I said no way, I have never seen that in a late model vehicle, and they said well maybe 30K would be fine. Even still, most cars these days do not need plugs every 30K, seems to me it is a convenient method to get you in the door.
jeffrosheen
New member
What are the symptoms of your timing belt going out?
but i just wanna make sure i'm on top of it coz hunting season is near and my 4runner also serves as my OHV at times...lol.. 
810moto
New member
i've got 89000 on my V6 and just recently changed the plugs about 3 weeks ago for the FIRST time. They actually looked pretty dang good.
wbwatson79
New member
The engine suddenly stops which is shortly followed by a $5k repair bill for replacing the top end.
wbwatson79
New member
I used to work at a Toyota dealer and the factory recommended plug intervals are as follows:
Iridium - 110k
Platinum - 60k
Standard - 30k
I can't remember if the V6 has platinum or standard plugs. Either way there is certainly no need to change them every 15k.
I recently had this done and it's more than meets the eye - just.
While they're in there, you're going to want to swap out the thermostat, some sort of cam seal and perhaps the waterpump. I think I did all this I forget exactly. The labor is the most expensive part that's why you want additional parts swapped to defray the cost of going back in there just in case something goes bad.
Pilotmatt
Member
I just bought my 2003 V8 and had a Toyota dealer do a prebuy inspection on it. My specific mechanic owned a 2003 V8 also. I have 100,000 miles on it and he said the timing belt was fine, he did recommend changing the accessory belt which I did. He said to change the timing belt on my 4Runner when it goes. He said the engine will shut down, but won't be damaged when the timing belt goes.
Just what i was told for my specific.
Just what i was told for my specific.
wbwatson79
New member
I think that is bad advice. I have always been told the 4.7L is an interference motor and will cause all hell to break loose when the timing belt breaks. I have a good friend who has been a Toyota technician for years and he knows his stuff so I trust his opinion
Having said that he said he has seen guys let their V8 Tundra work trucks go to 180k miles without changing the belt. You may very well be fine letting it go for many more years but it is a gamble I wouldn't take. I know paying somebody to change it sucks but it is way better than having to rebuild the heads.
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
The 4.7 is a interference engine.
jeffrosheen
New member
eskimochaos
Banned
You dont, thats why you replace it at 90k or 5 years. Whichever comes first.
Stop being so cheap. $1k every 90k miles is nothing.
jeffrosheen
New member
Hell I'm not being cheap. I am being grateful! My friends S4 Audi timing belt just set him back $2500.
I got a price of $735 to do the timing belt and drive belt and the water pump would be another $140 (part, labor included).
Seems like a pretty good deal doesn't it?
eskimochaos
Banned
Yes, I paid over double that on my UZJ100 at the dealer.
Uneek
Super Moderator
My cousin did the t-belt, water pump and all the 100k stuff on his A4, it was $3900.
Toyotas are cheap to own. They cost a little more initially than comparable Asian makes, but I've noticed OEM parts are not much more expensive than aftermarket parts at the local automotive parts store.
people in the know understand that this timing belt thing on the v8... the benefits far outweigh the negatives. the $1400 cost at the dealership (it's again more than the belt you should be replacing if you're a good steward of your car) is nothing.
gotta admit though i replaced mine at 90K, but the belt was actually 7 years old. didn't know, i know better now.
dude i'm gonna be dumping $1100 + 9.1% sales tax on an all too common seat belt buckle triggering airbag light issue on my 911. what do i get out of it? no more airbag warning light. that's it. THIS has grounds for a bit of whining (pun intended).
gotta admit though i replaced mine at 90K, but the belt was actually 7 years old. didn't know, i know better now.
dude i'm gonna be dumping $1100 + 9.1% sales tax on an all too common seat belt buckle triggering airbag light issue on my 911. what do i get out of it? no more airbag warning light. that's it. THIS has grounds for a bit of whining (pun intended).
