Can someone please tell me why 97 tacoma v-6 timing belt is supposed to be replaced at 60K and 98 Tacoma v-6 at 90K?....why 30k difference? thanks

 

Different materials? The engine is the same, so the only thing I can imagine is they were made in different places, and/or of different materials.

 

I am thinkin the timing belt interval increased across the board on the 3.4 between 97 and 98, that is all Yota's with 3.4.

 

I called 2 toyota dealerships, they said part # on both timing belts (97-98) is the same, but neither had any idea why 30K difference from 97-98.
Also asked him if there would be any damage to engine (V-6) if it broke. He said no, just coast over to side of road ???????? I'm suspicious.

 

He is correct. The 5VZ engine is a non-interference engine. A broken timing belt will do the engine no harm.

 

And call a tow truck, you won't damage anything but you won't be going anywhere. Personally I find it more convenient to change the belt before it breaks.

 

how can an engine be identified as a non-interference one? would like to know if the 1KZ-TE is non-interference too.

thanks,

 

thanks for clarification. Still have 10k left........BACK to original question. Why the 30k difference from 97-98 with same t belt part number? Did they do something different with idlers etc ???

 

The answer is somewhere on the board here I just don't feel like searching. I think either Toyota uses a new belt that works on all the motors therefore the part number is the same OR they decided that the 60k interval was too conservative and upped it to 90k in 98'. Anyway, if you search enough you will find the answer, or someone who actually knows will reply.

EDIT: OK, I have nothing better to do at work (Yeah right!) so I searched after posting. Basically, my first assumption was correct. If this is your first timing belt change then you should probably do it at 60k, otherwise a 90k interval is what you should use. See the last post in this thread: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...+belt+interval

 

There's 2 ways, check with the manufacturer, or wait till the belt breaks and see what happens

But generally all diesel engines are interference. Because of the higher compression ratios the combustion chambers are smaller and don't usually have room the valves and pistons together. And for the same reason most higher compresson gas engines are interference too.

 

I have a 97 4Runner with a 3.4L, and my Belt interval is every 96,000km

But Just to clear something up!! 60,000 MILE's = 96,000 KM's

 

Talked with another service manager today and he said that they may have changed the idlers or pullys configuration (from 97-98) which might make the same belt last 30k longer. Again, he wasnt sure. Said to call toyota.
Still trying.....and still searching boards to find answer. Just curious to find a Toyota mechanic or service manager somewhere that can settle this question for 100% sure. thanks

 

Talked with another service manager today and he said that they may have changed the idlers or pullys configuration (from 97-98) which might make the same belt last 30k longer. Again, he wasnt sure. Said to call toyota.
Still trying.....and still searching boards to find answer. Just curious to find a Toyota mechanic or service manager - somewhere that can settle this question for 100% sure. thanks

 

Went back to posts from 12-01-03......... several said belt material was improved in 97 to 98 which ( if my understanding is correct??) is why from 98 on, you get 30k more miles before changing timing belt. (98 and on models.
Since 97-98 belt #'s are same, ....(1)-could I assume that all 95-97 with a new belt (material) can now be changed at 90k interval also,.... instead of 60k as in owners manual???......and (2)Does anyone have any 'written' info on belt 'material upgrade' from 97 to 98? Just curious. thanks...

 

The answers to questions 1 and 2 are both yes based on what people around here are saying. I just went out to look at TSB's to see if there was any mention of the timing belt matierial change but I had no luck. Maybe someone else knows of one.

 

Just got off the phone with Toyota usa...toyota .com...1 800 331 4331.........They said on the 97 Tacoma v-6, the specified 60k timing belt change interval was for 'special driving conditions' only. I said whats that mean? They said towing, mud,extreme weather.................. I said my manual says 60k (severe), which I thought meant that if I had 60k on my timing belt I was walking on thin ice. They said 'no', it doesnt mean that at all. The 60k interval has to do more with driving 'conditions' rather than year of vehicle.....I said 'Toyota' should be more specific.
I then asked since the 98's were given 90k interval between belt changes, was there a 'material' change in the belt quality between 97-98, or mechanical change to idlers or pullys??...they said no.
I then asked.....If I had my timing belt on my 97 V-6 changed last year, can I now also go 90k before replacing it, like on the 98's and newer. They said 'yes'.
As Forrest Gump says..'thats all I'm gonna say 'bout that'.

 

Interesting, good job on the research squarepeg. I wonder who is right though. MTL Runner, the guy I quoted, is a Toyota Mechanic so I don't know who to trust. Whatever, I have already changed mine so I am not worried

 

I changed one last month and the dang ole belt looked better than the new one.140k!