I have someone who has a 1997 4Runner wiht a seized engine.They state that they have been told it could be the timing belt that went bad. They ran it till it finally just stopped trying to turn over. I am wondering, if it is the timing belt, would there be any engine damage to the pistons f they tried to start it till it didnt even try to turn over. I have a 1998 4Runner that I may just swithc the engine out of to the 97 one. What are your thoughts and experience?

 

If the timing belt just broke then no, there won't be any damage inside the engine.

 

What can happen is the timing belt can wrap itself around its pulleys and lock up the engine that way. There has to be SOME reason the engine is seized. Just a broken timing belt won't stop the starter from turning the crank over unless the belt also jammed up somehow. Is it possible they just ran the battery down or burnt up the starter? The motor is non-interference so nothing bad will happen INSIDE the cylinders from a TB break, as scuba said.

Did the person who told them that actually LOOK at the truck? Some hands-on expertise is needed here.

 

Never even thought about it that way. Good thinking

 

Thanks scuba and the durk. I talked to the guy who has this for sale and he says seixed engine since he has no mechanical experience, and had a tech look at the engine and said they thought it was the timing belt. I am looking at it today, and may just change my good motor into that one or fix the timing belt if thats all it is, since I just replaced mine before mine was in front end collision. My worry was that somethign could be wrong internally if timing belt broke, but sounds like not. This is good deal that I cant pass over I think for only 2000 and has new tires and bosy is in immaculate condition. Will keep you posted

 

Well, I have the truck in my garage, and looked at the oil dipstick and there is tan milkshake fluid on it, so looks like it is the HG and not the timing blet. I actually got it to start up then it ddied, so I am looking at either a Hg replacement or take the engine out of my 98 and putting it in this one.