98 4runner giving me fits, all of a sudden wouldn't crank. Finally figured out its out of time. Put new belt on. Cranked ran fine. Cranked to go to work next am, and could hear teeth slip... So now we are on the 4rth timing belt and I replaced the tensioner. It may crank 2 time then slip the 3rd. 2nd belt cranked 15 times. Anyone know whats causing this? Backfire through the manifold? Any help much appriciated

 

With the belt off, try cranking the cams around. One may be unusually stiff. If so, that's a big problem. Also, spin the water pump around and make sure it's free.

 

.....and you are pulling the pin on the tensioner?

Sounds like something is binding up in the valve train, water pump, etc. or something is not installed correctly.

Check that the pins that hold the cam gears in place are in good shape and also the crank gear key. Trying to eliminate points of slippage....

 

Flywheel key sheared?

 

Some very good suggestions fella! OP, what have you figued out?

 

OP, any update?

 

I would like to know as well what the issue was???

 

Sorry for following up, but thay last belt i put on it lasted untill the other day. Cold for alabama at 30 degrees went to crank and it slipped again!! I went on with my day and when I got home I noticed all the coolant was on the ground also. So maybe a water pump issue?

 

Dude, we'very given you almost every reason possible this could be happening. Time to tear it apart and investigate.

 

Dude, your a genius. Thank you.