I have a 96 4runner SR5 that is ripe for a timing belt change. It has 265K on it and runs (correction: ran) great.

Today I was fiddling with things with my son (installing new stereo). We started it as a smoke test - started fine but sounded funny (according to my son). So, we cut it off and restarted - he says it still sounded "funny" (you know how this is - if you drive it every day, you know every quirk of your ride). I said, try one more time - listening carefully - now it just won't start.

Cranks strong, but the last time I heard a Toyota try and start this way, it had lost it's timing belt. Since I know the belt is overdue, I want to check this before digging into anything else.

Is there any way to just check the timing belt for a break? I'm looking at the timing belt cover and it looks like I should be able to remove some bolts and use my eyes.

Yes? No? Suggestions?

 

Just pull the cover and check it out. Its right under there lol.

 

If the timing belt was broken the valves would not be opening or closing properly [if at all] so there'd be one heck of a clatter if it ran at all.
Not very familiar with the 3.4 but I'd expect you could pull the timing cover and check it out without much trouble.

 

If the timing belt was broken the valves would not be opening or closing properly [if at all] so there'd be one heck of a clatter if it ran at all.
Not very familiar with the 3.4 but I'd expect you could pull the timing cover and check it out without much trouble.

 

Okay, was hoping for a quick answer, sounds like it should pop right off.

thanks

 

levit - wise guy Yup, it was under there. Not too bad to remove but that bottom left bolt was a challenge. Now I know why they pull the radiator when doing this.

Belt looks fine, and I see nothing mechanically wrong. All of the teeth are in the belt that I could check.

Possible that the belt slipped at all? I'm digging here, have to go find out where I put the manuals.

appreciate the help guys

 

remove your oil filler cap and have somebody crank it and like to see if the cams are turning

 

look not like

 

eric - I can do that - and I agree, it's a good test.

But I have to ask, if I have the timing belt cover off and I'm .... oh, wait - I can see the cams turning through the oil filler cap. Got it.

<blush>