When to replace timing belt on 3.4 V6?

I have a 1997 3.4 V6 4x4 Tacoma that is getting ready to hit 100,000. I bought the truck brand new. I have done nothing to the motor but regular service. It has had all the fluids changed at 60k.

Are there any signs that the timing belt is about to go? I'm guessing theres not and when it does brake can it do any damage? I would not be able to replace it myself.

If i get it replaced what other parts should i get replaced as well? I would take it to my local shop and he would only replace what i asked him to unless he seen something worn out.

My truck is a manuel as well how long does a manual clutch last?

A few problems i do have with my truck are for one it idles to fast when its cold outside when you first start it almost idles at 2,000 rpm once its warmed up it idles under 1,000 rpm. It also makes a rattling noise when its cold in winter around 32F when i push on the gas but once it gets warmed up its gone.

It also makes a rattling noise when i have it in 3rd gear but am not going fast anough trying to go up a hill if i use 93 octane gas this is not as bad but still there.

It never does this rattling noise anymore really unless i am not paying attention and the rpms are to low for the gear it's in but it seems to be 3rd gear that does this my clutch works fine so i don't know whats going on. I do notice the rattling noise alot more if i use 87 octane gas.

thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to the forum!!
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I used to own a 96 3.4L. At that time, the timing belt requirement was 60K miles. I had mine changed at the dealer when I bought it (at 60K miles).

Timing belts are 'belts' and you never know when they'll break. You'll never see signs that it'll break. You're better off changing it soon - or else it'll leave you sit and stranded somewhere.

Other items to change: Water Pump, thermostat & all 3 accessory belts.

 

On my '99 it was changed at 90K.

 

Sorry i forgot about the search

Any suggestions on the rattling noise?

Thanks!

 

It's very hard to diagnose rattles....

It is normal for the truck to have a higher rpm when its cold.
The rattling noise is also probably normal when its cold (but again, I'm guessing...).

As far at the rattle in 3rd.... Just guessing here again....
If you're going up a hill and not going fast enough, you're probably experiencing a lugging sound where the rpm's are not high enough. If this is indeed the situation (rpm's), try downshifting into 2nd gear and see if this helps get rid of the noise.

Also - in a situaiton like that - you might be experiencing engine pinging. My 96 would do that (going up a hill) if I used 87 octane gas. I would switch to a higher octane and it would help. But again, try downshifting and see if that helps.

 

The book on my '01 said at 90,000 miles... They replaced my water pump at the same time when they saw a drip... Cheaper that way. Heck, I hit 90,000 miles when my Tacoma was 3 years old... What's taking you so long? LOL

 

It was sitting in my garage for 2yrs and i acutally bought it in 98. It was left over from 97 so i got a good deal on it.

I plan on buying another one new and keeping my 97 for a beater. My first Toyota was a 82 Longbed 4x4.


That knocking noise does go away if i down shift to 2nd it just sounds like something would brake if i let it do it for very long.

If my timing belt broke would it mess up anything? I used to hear about timing chains breaking and cracking the motor from where it hit after it broke, i guess a belt can't do that.

 

I've read that it won't...but who's to say that pieces of the broken belt won't get caught in something while the engine still turns.

Get it changed...or else someday, it'll leave you sit.

 

Im looking for used tacomas so this thread is relevant to me.

Looks like no one has answered his question about when to rebuild the manual tranny or the clutch. Could anyone answer that for us??

What are the signs that a new waterpump may be needed?

How much does it cost to change a timing belt? If im looking at a used taco with over 100k miles that hasn't had the timing belt added, I'd like to know how much to bargain the price down to make up for it.

Lastly, for 4x4 tacos, do the front Diffs ever need servicing?

thanks in advance

 

I'm sitting at 101k on my '01 and it still hasn't been changed. I need to have it done soon. My first car ('89 Corolla) snapped at 120k though

 

i have 3.4 v6 , replaced timing belt at 87k, i noticed more power and better mileage,,,,went from 17mpg to 20mpg

 

Don't wait on the timing belt, I utterly destroyed the 22re in my first pickup, because I thought the engine had a chain :\ It's no joke if it goes out, although mine went 180k before it did.