I just picked up this XLS Avy ('98) w/ 115k miles.
How hard is it to inspect the timing belt and 'see' if it's been replaced or not? I hear they suggest a change at 90k miles and I have NO IDEA if it's been done or not.
Thanks all!
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1998 Toyota Avalon XLS
160k miles and counting w/o major maintenance required.
Pads/ Rotors/ Timing Belt/ Plugs Only!
When the dealer replaced the timing belt on my '95 they put a sticker on top for the cover on the right side.
The sticker comes with the factory timing belt. If no sticker on your car, it's probably safe to assume the belt has never been changed. Abelt failure will leave you stranded but will not cause engine damage.
If no sticker, try looking at the front of the engine to see if the covers have been removed. Unless the belt is damaged, has oil on it from a bad seal, etc. it is almost impossible to tell belt mileage by looking at it.
Replacing the belt requires removing the plastic covers on the front of the engine. No sealant but rubber gaskets between the cover edges and engine. Look for bolts, etc. that have indications of removal.
if you're going to go thru all the work to take off the covers to look at the belt, you may as well just change it while you're there.....that's 90 percent of the work.
it's not that bad of a job. biggest time is spent removing all the things to get to the point that the covers can be removed, such as alternator and brackets, tire and piece of fender liner, engine mounts etc. once your at this point, removing covers and changing belt is not hard. i've done the job in about 8 hours. a couple more things.... usually they will replace the water pump just because you've already gone thru all this work to get in there and it's good preventive. i would reccomend that, but more importantly is to replace the idler pulleys while your there. i helped a friend do this job, and he wouldnt spring for the extra 50 bucks for the pulleys, and in less than 40k miles after the change, the bearings went out in one of them and of course ruined the belt and had to do the whole job over.
The cam pulleys have marks, etc to line up. Before taking things apart set the crank at 0 degrees with number one cylinder at TDC. After the covers are removed see how the pulleys line up. Might highlight the marks with a pin used junk yard use to mark parts. Take photos if possible or record info as to how the belt wraps around the various items such as cam pulleys, idlers, etc.
Once the new belt is installed, rotate the crank at 2 times CW by hand and recheck the marks. Make sure the marks are still lined up!
If doing it for the first time, expect to spend a full day at it.
What if the problem is this? The fuel on the tank get easily drain? what would be the problem!?
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