Does my T Belt look like it was replace? Other misc questions

Hey All,

So bought a 2000 3.4 prerunner and it had starting issues the day after purchasing it. I had a gut feeling the seller lied about some stuff like how he used oem everything and truck was perfect(bought on ebay but in person post auction). Truck is very clean, zero rust underbody, only 151k on it. Once the mechanical issues are sorted out I think this will be a great ride.

1. Currently won't start and just had one loud click, not several. Searching leads me to think the starter or solenoid is bad. Tried banging it a few times but no luck, I think i'll just put a re-manufacture autozone deal on there tonight. It would start cold sometimes, and then not. After replacing battery, 4 gauge ground, still nothing and then it started and ran for a few minutes, currently back to not starting. Do you think its the starter?

2. Seller claimed he did the belt and waterpump 25k miles ago. Belt looks pretty good, what do you guys think?

 

That looks really good for a 20 year old plus truck. I would say it was changed.

 

It’s new.

 

For comparison purposes, here's a original belt on a 21 year old (1998) engine with 70,000 miles from this summer.

The belt would have lasted for a long time, it was the water pump that needed to be changed. The original water pump RTV sealant had started to weep. The new pumps have an improved gasket instead of the RTV seal.

The water pump in your pictures looks newer than other parts on the engine.

 

Put a mirror under the idler pulley so you can see the toothed side of the belt when it's expanded. Check for cracks at the root of the teeth.

 

Looking at the color of the water pump in your picture I'd say yes the belt and water pump where changed . As for your starting Toyota starters will give 1 single click when the contracts are worn, for some reason if you keep trying they will start on the 7th try, I know sounds like I'm crazy but I've been working on Toyota's for over 35years .

 

I'll bet it's the contacts. That's what I always guess here on the forum and I've always been right.

 

Why put an inferior starter in your rig. Try to fix your Denso starter first.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/WV1t5-wcoOI

 

Thanks guys! Reassuring, I actually banged the starter solenoid a few times before putting the passenger wheel back on and she fired right up. Tried again about 7 more times and it turned right over when it was warmed up completely. Appreciate everyone's input, I have a daily but wanted to rock this a day or two beyond my motorcycle.

Thanks and Gnight all-

 

Great video, will rewatch when doing this soon. Thanks my man-