toyota884runner

well, my 88 4runner 22re is leaking oil on to the alternator belt and a guy my dad had who replaced the rocker arms bolted the timing cover back up with the wrong bolts and put washers on the backside of the timing cover. the problem i have is the dealer wants $2,500 to do the front main seal and harmonic balancer and a new timing chain and guide. it's only 9,000 miles shy of needing the timing chain and new steel guide anyway per maintence schedule. my question is this how long can a alternator belt last with oil being slung on it? i am going to have to save up to fix my truck. the sadest part is i need to drive it 200 miles but am alittle weary to do so since the alternator belt is showing alittle wear in one spot. i have had this truck since i was 16 so i don't wanna let it go though my family will probally just say sell it.
i need my 4runner for the winter as my job requires me to be there regardless of snow. 4runner's mileage is only 150,000

i am thinking of driving it 200 miles, but the wear spot in the alternator belt worries me. also i have the fsm for my 4runner so i could do it all myself and get my cousin to help me as he went to nascar mechanics school.

any and all advice is appreciated.

khany2002

Depends on a few factors.

First, how bad is the leak.

Obviously, if you have the time and the facilities, just slap in either a new front main or quickly put on a new alt belt, and your issue is gone (or, at least you can know the extent of what you're working with).

If that's out, look at your trip -- if you're only driving the 200 miles one-way, and most of it is highway, then I'd risk it, pulling over every 40 mins or so to check for leakage, and keep your oil level proper. If it's leaking like a sieve, obviously you're SOL for driving.

If the leak isn't too bad, your alternator could be fine (although depending if you're varying RPM in stop and go driving, that would increase a slip differential on the belt with oil, generating more heat, and wearing the belt quicker). No one can tell you for sure which way that one would go.

Your last option is to have it flatbedded for you via AAA or equivalent, although that could cost you a few dollars. If the finances are there, that does take the concern away though.

I understand what you're saying about being attached to the truck; I've wrenched on my 4Runner since I was 4 years old, it's been in the family since before I was around, and only has about 90,000 miles. It's had to drive around in various states of disrepair (e.g. FWD, external headgasket leak) while I've had it -- I could easily afford a better, faster, more fuel efficient car, but I wouldn't trade this one for the world.

Good luck.

toyota884runner

thanks for the help and replys. well i bought a toyota alternator belt yesterday. now the thing is getting it changed before tomorrow. the power steering belt is separate from the alternator belt right? i only have 2 belts. the alternator belt goes on 3 pulleys? sorry the manual does not have a clear picture... i think the power steering belt my have a worn spot in it as well.. what happens if it breaks???

NicCantDecide

If the power steering belt breaks then you have manual steering until you fix it. As long as you eat your Wheaties in the morning you should be fine.