Hey everyone,

Im doing a 3.4 swap. The engine has around 70k on it. Before I throw it in, I might as well change the timing belt along with the water pump, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, cam seals, crank pulley bolt. Should I go with toyota parts or 3rd party parts. Anything else I should consider changing also? Thanks

 

Toyota parts. Get yourself some red Toyota coolant and a new thermostat. Also get a NEW crank pulley bolt and torque it down to 217 foot pounds. Very important. They have been known to come off if improperly torqued, and it is considered a one time use bolt so you'll want to replace it. Replace spark plugs, pcv valve, and fuel filter while your at it.

Personally, I'd inspect the old tensioners for tightness and noise, and if they are OK then leave them be. They are quite expensive from the dealer. Same goes with the cam seals.

 

just swap out new belt, that should be enough. crank pulley bolt is reusable, not sure why you want a new one.

 

O rly? Tell ya what, go ahead and reuse it, then talk to the numerous people on this board that have had problems because of it. Just replace it, its cheap insurance. However, be sure to torque it the UPDATED correct torque specs. Otherwise it will back itself out and cause balancer and crank damage.

 

Ever read a Toyota factory service manual?

Yea, just swap out the belt. Who cares if your crank seals are leaking, pulleys are scratchy, and water pump is leaking? New belt "should" be enough, right?

 

Hey pro just fyi, when changing the timing belt you always put in a new water pump. The water pump is probably fine. but when you tighten down the timing belt and drive a few hundred miles your water pump will be toast. then you are doing the same job all over agian. The bearings in the pulley become "loose" over time with the timing belt. Then if after you put a new timing belt back on, puting tension on the timing belt puts a bind on the bearings will sieze. A friend of mind experienced this along with confirmation of a few mechanics. Im not saying it will happen 100% but enough for me not to take that chance.