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Originally Posted by fatdudesurfin
89_4runner, how would you recommend removing the camshaft timing pulleys? what tools, what precautions?
i am about to replace the t-belt, water pump and radiator in my truck w/ 3vze, and i would like to avoid buying some special tools just to remove the cam pulleys.
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I have used a home-grown strap wrench for the camshaft pulleys and the crank pulley. The strap is made from 3/4" rock climbing webbing covered with an old bicycle inner tube. The strap has a loop on one end that I place on a ~1.5" OD cheater pipe (same pipe I use with 1/2" socket wrench). This works well for the crank pulley, but not so well for the camshaft pulleys.
A couple of days ago someone posted a pic of a camshaft pulley holding tool made from ~1" square tubing. The tubing has slots down the length and he placed two bolts all the way through the tubing that act like forks to hold the camshaft still while you loosen/tighten the bolt. That looks like a good idea, but I did a quick search and couldn't find the post. I will do this if I ever replace the timing belt again (just replaced it 4 months ago).
The main precaution I have is be safe with the cheater bars and tools when loosening the cam (and crank) bolts. They have very high torque and when they come loose, something could get broken (your hand or something on the truck). As far as the cam gears, be careful not to damage the teeth. The gears are pretty tough, but can be dented when you start using the big tools on them.
Also, as far as the water pump... buy it from Toyota. The one I just installed came with a new metal and overmolded rubber gasket. That means you don't have to use that messy FIPG material for the water pump.
This is a common repair for 3vze engines so do a lot of searching of this site, use a Toyota manual, and there is also good information on 4x4wire.com and off-road.com
http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/v6tbelt/index.html
blainelukens,
Above should help with removing the crankshaft bolt. Not sure what strap wrench you are using, but I made mine (not fancy at all) when I replaced the timing belt 4yrs ago. The bicycle inner tube is critical to increase friction with the pulley, plus you want the stap long enough to make more than one wrap around the pulley. Then, use 3 ft long cheater bars. By the way, my homegrown strap wrench only cost a couple of dollars to make and I needed cheater bars for 3/8" and 1/2" wrenches anyway.
Buy your new timing belt from Toyota. It is not worth the cost savings to buy aftermarket. I have heard too many stories of problems with aftermarket belts. You might also want to replace the water pump since you're in there. I didn't replace my water pump 4 yrs ago and it failed in December so I had to replace the timing belt before it was really needed.