Should I change my timing belt or not?? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Northernstar804 · 05-23-2009, 01:13 AM

I have a 04 Camry LE V6(got it OCT 2003) which is at 83000KM right now. On the user manual it says timing belt should be changed every 6 years or 144000KM, which ever comes first. I am debating whether to change the belt or not cus I will probably be selling the car in about a year and half. Can the timing belt last until then?? If it can last for another 2 years, then I wouldn't want to be spending 500 bucks replacing it. What do you guys think?? thnx a lot~

omairtheman1 · 05-23-2009, 03:00 AM

i never listen to the 6 year part... i usually go with the 100k miles part which is 160k km... and even if it does break its a non interference motor... i just changed a TB on a 1mz-fe and after 120 k miles it was still in very very good condition

Redline_Me · 05-23-2009, 03:31 AM

$500 for timing belt???

bronzemaxell · 05-23-2009, 07:34 AM

I heard the camry V6 engine, 1MZ-FE with VVT-i may cause damage to engine if timing belt snap due to adjusted timing in valve, i would not chance it, besides, it is suchs a hassle even if it non-interference, could leave you stranded on the road at the worst place in worst time.

see this animation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A6S1NUjg_A

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 05-23-2009, 10:20 AM

The timing belt doesn't need to be done until 145,000km (not miles). So you're good for awhile.

Redline mine cost just over 700 for the belt, water pump and labour...

My car is older than yours and i hit 145,000km last spring and i replaced it.

TRD VVTi · 05-23-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northernstar804

I have a 04 Camry LE V6(got it OCT 2003) which is at 83000KM right now. On the user manual it says timing belt should be changed every 6 years or 144000KM, which ever comes first. I am debating whether to change the belt or not cus I will probably be selling the car in about a year and half. Can the timing belt last until then?? If it can last for another 2 years, then I wouldn't want to be spending 500 bucks replacing it. What do you guys think?? thnx a lot~

It will probably be fine until then. You don't have an interference engine so no other damage will result when the belt breaks.

At least let the next owner know that it's due for a timing belt when you sell it.

Redline_Me · 05-23-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

The timing belt doesn't need to be done until 145,000km (not miles). So you're good for awhile.

Redline mine cost just over 700 for the belt, water pump and labour...

My car is older than yours and i hit 145,000km last spring and i replaced it.

I have never really paid for labor to do anything on my cars. I didn't think a timing belt would cost that much, i mean it's not that hard to replace.

89molavi · 05-23-2009, 01:45 PM

Go with what the manual says; which is whichever comes first. Rubber deteriorates with age and use. Even tires that have been sitting will go bad. I am not sure if this is an interference engine or not, but if the belt snaps the least you are facing is being stuck. That could happen in a dangerous situation.

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 05-23-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redline_Me

I have never really paid for labor to do anything on my cars. I didn't think a timing belt would cost that much, i mean it's not that hard to replace.

The belt alone is cheap......it's the labour...

Redline_Me · 05-23-2009, 06:41 PM

And it's not even that hard. its such a rip off

***Punks_Not_Dead5*** · 05-23-2009, 07:55 PM

You do have to take apart a lot of things to get at it...it's a 4 hour job...

SamKT · 05-23-2009, 08:42 PM

Starting in 2003 IIRC the 1MZFE became an interference engine. Therefore, it the belt snaps you're out an engine (and the car will be worth a lot less).

If you're willing to take that chance, then it may be an acceptable risk.

True, a timing belt is about $20-25.

touringcamry · 05-23-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamKT

Starting in 2003 IIRC the 1MZFE became an interference engine. Therefore, it the belt snaps you're out an engine (and the car will be worth a lot less).

If you're willing to take that chance, then it may be an acceptable risk.

True, a timing belt is about $20-25.

That is incorrect. The 1MZ-FE was never an interference design whether VVTi or not. The 3MZ-FE, which is the 3.3L engine, on the other hand is an interference design. It is a rare example of an interference Toyota engine that uses a timing belt; there are others but I don't know which ones off the top of my head other than the 3MZ.

omairtheman1 · 05-23-2009, 10:18 PM

yah from start to finish including packing my tools it took me like 5 hours and thats with a water pump.... if i had to do it again i would probably do it in three

Northernstar804 · 05-24-2009, 12:10 AM

what!? the 3MZ is the interference engine?? Omg.....my engine is a 3MZ. Now I really have to rethink about it......don't want to waste an engine. And yes, the timing belt is cheap but the labor is expensive, it's about a 5 hr job.