97 Camry Timing belt question

[shady1070]

I just bought a 97 Camry from a deceased person. It has 125k on the Car. The car runs perfect. Nice and smooth. But, I am going on a trip with it and am curious if there is anyway to check on the timing belt to see if it is decent condition or is it the original belt. That is the only thing I am worried about is when was it last changed or if it was. But Like I said, The car runs smooth with no problems at all. Any thoughts. This is my first toyota.

[jon1000]

Welcome to the family. For most posts it is helpful to include the engine type and trim of the car. However, it doesn't matter in this case.

The Toyota Camry does not have a real easy view panel to remove like some do. You will have to remove the top timing belt cover and a wire harness (not that difficult really). To really check it propoerly, you will need to rotate the engine by the crank to get a look at the full length of the belt.

Most of the better facilities will place a sticker in the engine compartment when a timing belt service is done indicating the date and mileage. This service should have been done at 90,000 miles. 125k is pushing it on an original belt, if it is original. At least these are not interferance engines. If you do need to change it, at that milage, I would also change the water pump, cam seals, crankshaft seal and check the idlers and tensioner reallly good. It won't cost much since your in there, and you don;t want to go in there again anytime soon.

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

If you PM me your VIN, I can run the service history to see if it has been done at a Dealer, or you could ask your local dealer to do the same. If it was done at a dealer it should be in the National Data base. However, if it wasn't done at a dealer it won't show up. But at least you will know if it was done or not at a dealer at at what mileage.


Hope I was of some help.

Originally Posted by shady1070

I just bought a 97 Camry from a deceased person. It has 125k on the Car. The car runs perfect. Nice and smooth. But, I am going on a trip with it and am curious if there is anyway to check on the timing belt to see if it is decent condition or is it the original belt. That is the only thing I am worried about is when was it last changed or if it was. But Like I said, The car runs smooth with no problems at all. Any thoughts. This is my first toyota.

[underoath]

Well, I'm just a little curious...did you buy the 97' before or after this person became...xP oh, yeah if I were you i'd change out the timing belt if its original since it becomes exponentially more expensive if you wait until it breaks.