The difference it makes... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Retrospekt · 08-23-2009, 05:13 PM

I just changed my timing belt after not having it done in 149k miles by the first owner. I didn't know it could make this much of a difference. I thought the car drove fantastic before...I fell in love with it. After doing the timing belt I noticed the following:

Car starts a lot faster.
Car starts a lot quieter.
Car runs 3x quieter than before.
I need a lot less gas to accelerate. It feels like the gas pedal is lighter and I cruise for longer.
It actually feels like my overdrive is working. Before I could switch between OD and normal and not feel a difference. Now I definitely feel the lag when I switch.
I leaked 1/2 quart of oil every week. Now my engine is dry. (Oil Seal and O-ring).

And the biggest difference:
I went from about 16-18mpg average to about 25-27. I'm not bullshitting you here.

My mechanic let me look at the old belt and I was in complete shock. You could literally put pressure on it and see through the rubber by the teeth. It was literally holding on by hairs of rubber!

All in all...I <3 my Camry.

Toysrme · 08-23-2009, 05:16 PM

then your cam timing & ignition were massively out of sync to begin with.
good thing you changed it and got it back in correct time!

whip_cracker · 08-23-2009, 07:37 PM

Lol... gee mate, I reckon if you gave it a bit of "enthusiasm" then that belt may have snapped!

Great to see that it's made a huge difference... I'm hoping for a few niggling noises in my engine to stop after I replace some bearings and pulleys.

fastss · 08-26-2009, 12:24 PM

I have that heavy gas pedal feel. I'm at 123k miles on mine. Is it true i have to change the water pump or can i just do the belt by itself for now considering that seems a lot easier.

Any help to doing this would be great because i am getting bad gas mileage and everything you mentioned.

Thanks !

Retrospekt · 08-26-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastss

I have that heavy gas pedal feel. I'm at 123k miles on mine. Is it true i have to change the water pump or can i just do the belt by itself for now considering that seems a lot easier.

Any help to doing this would be great because i am getting bad gas mileage and everything you mentioned.

Thanks !

You can do just the belt...but I wouldn't recommend it. If the water pump fails later, you'll have to take the timing cover off and take the timing belt off to get to the pump. It's twice the labor and a stupid risk to take.

bootcamper · 08-26-2009, 04:22 PM

Dayum. That's some difference mate.
Not that it matters, but Toyota manufacturers Non-interference Engines. Meaning, if the timing belt snaps, nothing would happen to your cars valves. They are designed never to collide with the heads as the pistons go up the cylinder unlike other cars you see on the road. Your car would just roll to a stop. The only inconvenience would be you'd stranded for a while until somebody comes to pick you up. But however, a well tuned, good tension belt is good for the water pump and oil pump. For a car as old as yours, it may be a good idea to have a look at those or replace the cam, and crankshaft seals and the oil pump o-ring while you are in there. Also take a careful inspection of the water pump. There is a DIY for those somewhere here if you can find it.