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Is this the original timing belt?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by egebhardt, Jan 14, 2014.

  1. Jan 14, 2014 at 7:42 PM
    #1
    egebhardt

    egebhardt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I bought this 99 Taco a week ago. The PO said the timing belt was replaced, however, he has no records. The PO was not my brother or father, so obviously I'm not going to trust him further than I can throw him.

    The truck works perfectly so far but at 128,000 miles, I want to change the belt and water pump in case it was never done. This is a dry California car that was made in the NUMMI plant 20 miles away. It's probably never seen snow and was garaged at night.

    I pulled the timing belt cover back a bit to take a picture. Can anyone tell me if this is the original belt? Thanks in advance.

    Belt (1).jpg
    Belt (2).jpg
     
  2. Jan 14, 2014 at 7:50 PM
    #2
    xcmtb83

    xcmtb83 Well-Known Member

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    Dunno about the belt but it looks like the plug wires read 1999. As far as the water pump it should have casting date on the front. I forget if it is a two or four digit number. The age of the water pump may clue you in on belt age as they are "typically" done at the same time. I realize this is not a guarantee.
     
  3. Jan 14, 2014 at 8:13 PM
    #3
    Bren

    Bren Well-Known Member

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    The belt looks pretty new from the pictures. My Taco has 207k and still has the original belt.
     
  4. Jan 14, 2014 at 8:40 PM
    #4
    rolledovertaco

    rolledovertaco roll me back over please...

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    get it to where you can read the manufacturer info ?
     
  5. Jan 14, 2014 at 10:40 PM
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    Digiratus

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    When I changed my timing belt at 90K you could not tell by looking at it that it had that many miles on it.

    A better indicator of whether or not you should do this or not would be if the water pump is beginning to seep. The water pump is usually what goes first and to change it means taking all the belts off. If your WP is leaking, change everything, including the belt tensioner.
     
  6. Jan 15, 2014 at 5:55 AM
    #6
    fyremanpat

    fyremanpat Well-Known Member

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    its pretty clean in there!
     
  7. Jan 15, 2014 at 7:00 AM
    #7
    Moco

    Moco Well-Known Member

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    I dont think so.

    There is a telltale white reference mark on the sprocket that the person doing the timing belt job marked. I dont think the mark is from the factory.
     
  8. Jan 15, 2014 at 7:36 AM
    #8
    jaunty

    jaunty Well-Known Member

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    i have the same dilemma. Bought my truck over a year ago. has 140k on it now. i guess im not as worried since its non-interference v6. if you have the 4cyl its a bit more critical.
     
  9. Jan 15, 2014 at 8:23 AM
    #9
    egebhardt

    egebhardt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's just it. I can't find any marks anywhere which makes me think it was replaced with a cheap aftermarket belt.

    I know. It is surprisingly clean everywhere for 15yrs old.


    That white mark has always been present in DIY videos. I think the white mark is from the factory.

    I hear you. I asked a guy at the gas station how far he'd gone. He said 409,000 miles and he's NEVER touched it.
    I'm inclined to save the $150 (Ebay Mitsubishi/Aisin kits) and leave it alone but I love maintenance.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2014
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    #9
  10. Jan 15, 2014 at 8:31 AM
    #10
    HBtaco02

    HBtaco02 Well-Known Member

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    When in doubt change it out. Don't take a chance. People do get over 200k on original belt but why be lazy. The tensioner wears out long before the belt.
     
  11. Jan 15, 2014 at 9:56 AM
    #11
    Dirty Pool

    Dirty Pool FLIES ON THE FRIES, KETCHUPS WATERED DOWN

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    Hard to tell on the belt.
    A factory 99 water pump will be bolted directly to the block with FIPG as a sealant. Somewhere around 01-02, factory and service replacement pumps changed to a stainless steel and rubber gasket.
     
  12. Jan 15, 2014 at 11:16 AM
    #12
    egebhardt

    egebhardt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Unless I take it apart further, I'm not going to know for sure. By then, I may as well do the job.

    Maybe I'll start buying the special "2-pin" tool for the crank bolt. Then some anti-freeze. That's $100. Then another $200 max for the pump, belts, seals, thermo, tensioner, pulleys, etc....
    Another $300 isn't bad. I've spent $1,000 so far getting things perfect. I still want tires though.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2014
  13. Jan 15, 2014 at 11:59 AM
    #13
    stikle

    stikle Well-Known Member

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    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    That's it? Lightweight...I'm around $6K now. :D And there was nothing wrong with it either...just not perfect to me.

    Typically when a shop changes the timing belt, they put a sticker on the cover with the date...just about where that white sticker with blue lettering is on yours. If someone just did it in their garage, then who knows. I'd agree with the others...replace it so you have peace of mind.
     
  14. Jan 15, 2014 at 3:56 PM
    #14
    egebhardt

    egebhardt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks guys!

    Tires will be over $500. Timing belt etc.. $300.

    I looked at that sticker. It talks about using 2-prong plugs only for this engine. Well.... AutoZone doesn't sell 2-prong plugs anymore because of prongs falling off in the engine. I bought Bosch Platinums for $2 each. That was cheap.
     
  15. Jan 15, 2014 at 5:03 PM
    #15
    Bren

    Bren Well-Known Member

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    I would advise you to return those bosch plugs and buy the oem ones. I bought the oem densos for 2.66 each. I heard about people having a lot of problems when using anything but the denso or ngk plugs. The motor has half denso and half ngk from the factory, so either brand will be fine. I bought mine from Toyota parts zone, but call the dealer for a price, they might be the same price.
     
  16. Jan 16, 2014 at 8:26 AM
    #16
    egebhardt

    egebhardt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. I have the receipt for the Bosch plugs ready for return. On my BMW M3, copper plugs are best too at $2ea. I see guys spending $15ea all the time. It's hilarious.

    The dealer wants $4.40 per plug. I'll just get them off Ebay for $4. Less driving around.
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2014
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    #16
  17. Jan 16, 2014 at 2:58 PM
    #17
    RJ MacReady

    RJ MacReady professional trousersnake charmer

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    TRUTH!

    be a big PITA if the belt goes while you're driving it.
    I've spent over $3600 & several 30pks of modelo negra getting shit done to my 99'. Now the freakin' valve covers are leaking!!!!!
    :mad::mad::mad:
     
  18. Jan 16, 2014 at 3:08 PM
    #18
    Mainmoe02

    Mainmoe02 Well-Known Member

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  19. Jan 17, 2014 at 8:24 AM
    #19
    egebhardt

    egebhardt [OP] Well-Known Member

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    RockAuto is about $3.50 shipped. Too late. Mine arrive Monday from SoCal (southern california for those don't live in this high-ego state) on Ebay.

    I have a Harmonic Holding tool coming too, from Amazon for $64. I can't find 'em any cheaper.
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2014
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  20. Jan 18, 2014 at 3:42 AM
    #20
    jdkilroy

    jdkilroy Well-Known Member

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    That is an unbelievably clean engine ... ! Just that is a pretty good indicator of how gently used that truck was before you got it; nice find.
     

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