Water pump AND timing belt?

[littleseizure]

I know some of you have probably gotten this question before, but I just found this forum. I was out in town with my 1995, when suddenly it started acting like it was running on 2 cylinders (it has 6), but picks up at higher RPM. Sounds like a timing problem, since I've had that on other vehicles. Start driving home and the whine starts. By the time I get home, something under the hood is freaking screaming, and the coolant overflow is spewing.

I know the replacement scenario on these, since I read some of the posts - but would it be common for a timing belt failure to result in a water pump failure, or vice-versa?

Thanks ahead of time... :ak472::thanks:

 

[nevada]

I know some of you have probably gotten this question before, but I just found this forum. I was out in town with my 1995, when suddenly it started acting like it was running on 2 cylinders (it has 6), but picks up at higher RPM. Sounds like a timing problem, since I've had that on other vehicles. Start driving home and the whine starts. By the time I get home, something under the hood is freaking screaming, and the coolant overflow is spewing.

I know the replacement scenario on these, since I read some of the posts - but would it be common for a timing belt failure to result in a water pump failure, or vice-versa?

Thanks ahead of time... :ak472::thanks:

that doesn't sound like a timing belt, nor water pump. how old are the plugs/wires? what you describe sounds like an ignition problem, but there may be something else going on also.
head gasket maybe?


the screaming was probably because it was overheating and puking the coolant out.

 

[SanDiego91T4R]

Re: Timing belt & water pump?

Hey Littleseizure,

The timing belt turns the water pump, so yes, your problem could be related to both.

One possibility: the water pump seized up and is no longer turning. The timing belt would 'scream' as it "slips" around the water pump pulley. Also, since the water pump is no longer turning (or pumping), the engine would overheat.

It seems you're going to have to take it apart to find out what's going on.

I hope this helps,
SanDiego91T4R

 

[littleseizure]

Thank you very much, SanDiego91T4R!

 

[penbergm]

Is this a 3.0? had the same thing happen years ago on my son's 4runner. Turned out to be the Fan clutch bearing. Screaming something awful and caused it to overheat. Quick, easy & inexpensive fix though.

 

[littleseizure]

Is this a 3.0? had the same thing happen years ago on my son's 4runner. Turned out to be the Fan clutch bearing. Screaming something awful and caused it to overheat. Quick, easy & inexpensive fix though.

Thank you, penbergm!

I had that problem on another vehicle years ago, except that time the unit disintegrated and trashed my radiator. I'm no mechanic, but I don't think the fan is supposed to turn freely when the engine is off.

What I can't figure out is why I was getting that low power (prior to the overheating) after starting up the cold engine (it's over 70 degrees outside). That's what made me wonder if it was a timing belt problem too...

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Actually, the fan will turn freely when engine is off, it uses a viscous coupler within the fan's housing to decouple at different temps/speeds.

Turning it by had confirms that the fan clutch is not the problem, as it only "screams" when the clutch is locked up. Your issue is definitely what SanDiego91T4R stated, water pump has seized up and is causing the timing belt to squeal. Luckily, the 3VZE is not an interference engine, so you don't have to worry about grenading it if the belt snaps from the friction of the seized water pump, but it would be much cleaner and safer to just get it repaired before it goes. As we all know, if the pump is seized, you're not cooling that engine and that will literally ruin the head gaskets in minutes! The spewing radiator coolant is a clear sign of that engine not cooling, only two things cause that issue. Either the water pump has died or the thermostat is stuck shut. You should replace that too when you dive in, as it will be easier to get to once you pull it all apart.

 

[littleseizure]

Thank you, flyinhawaiian01!

I figured what you and SanDiego91T4R said was likely despite my limited knowledge. Any idea as to why the low power/accelleration phenomenon was the first symptom? It really acted like a timing belt or fouled plug-type problem before the screaming and coolant geyser.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Probably overheating would be my guess. My scenario would be that the pump seized up, with a bit of antifreeze leaking out of the weephole on the pump itself (I assume yours has one near the main shaft) which caused it to lubricate the timing belt, allowing it to be quiet for enough time to get really bad heatsoak, then over to a full-on overheat. This would have caused your reduction in power, and right after that, most of the antifreeze dumped out and the belt dried enough to start squealin' like a pig!