I'm in the process of replacing the timing belt on my 1990 4runner. 3VZE 3.0 5sp. My problem: I can't seem to get the new timing belt over all components (crank gear, both cam pulleys, and the idler's). My motor is in this exact condition: click. Scroll down to see the picture by yotatech member: snap-on. I have the crank pulley still on it. My question is what is the trick to getting the belt over all the above components. Or what am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance,

Dash

 

Mine was a pretty tight fit. I had to kind of sneak it on a little at a time with hand pressure.

I guess you have already made sure there is zero tension on the spring tensioner?

Is it a Toyota belt, or aftermarket?

 

Hey thanks for the reply. It is not a Toyota belt, It's a Goodyear Gatorback number 40154.. I have the spring tensioner type.

Dash

 

Did you remove the spring from the tensioner, and loosen it. If not do that and then tension the belt after installing. Also make sure you get the belt as tight as possible on the waterpump side, otherwise you cam could be off by one tooth.

One more thing compare the belt to the old one, make sure they're the same lenght and have the same # of teeth.

 

I suppose a small possibility could be the belt is undersized for some reason. Keep trying to squeeze it on. I only have direct experience with Toyota belts.

Also, when everything is belted back up, so to speak, make sure you rotate the engine a few times by hand to check the timing marks. Sometimes a tooth off somewhere won't be obvious until a few rotations.

 

Yeah I have a brand new spring from Toyota on hand, but it's off. Man it is tight. I may go double check this belt application. .

. . I verified the belt and two different stores say the same number.

Problem solved: operator error. I did not have it fully seated on the crank pulley. Thanks for the replies.

Dash