Just bought a 99 Gen1... going to do a tune-up

The thing has 235K. V6. I want to do a "full tune up" on it. In addition to changing ALL the fluids, I want to do all the major engine tune ups. It runs rough. New plugs, wires, clean mass air flow sensor (if there is one), change PCV valve, swap out fuel injectors, new fuel filter, air filter, oil filter... Then what? Do I need to monkey w/ the valves? Are they hydraulic and no adjustment? Not willing to dive into camshaft/crankshaft yet. Head gaskets seem tight. Water pump, generator, seem fine. I guess this thing has a timing chain. Hope it don't stretch too much after 235K. What am I missing?

 

Sounds like a good initial list to me Eric. Couple things I'd say...

Timing Belt
First, you've got a timing belt, not a chain (the 4-cyl has a chain). Supposed to be changed every 90-100K miles. If you don't know when it was last changed, I'd consider that as well. The process is long, but not hard - assuming you've got the right tools and patience . Here's a great write-up that has links to all the parts necessary, links to all the special tools, and a printable step-by-step guide to the actual job.

Step by Step Toyota Tacoma Timing Belt Replacement for 3.4L V6 5VZFE
(note, this also replaces the water pump, various pulleys, and of course all your accessory belts)



I'd also look into the following:

Lower Ball Joints. These are known to fail on 1st gen Tacomas, and are a weak spot in the suspension/steering. They are reasonably simple to replace and a good maintenance item to take care of. Make sure to use OEM here, as aftermarket are known to have some quality issues.

Here's a write-up on the process: Installing new Lower Ball Joints (LBJ's)



After ball joints, make sure your drive line is greased. A lot of people neglect that, and it can lead to failed u-joints. Super easy to do. Again, a write-up Greasing the Drivetrain

After the drive train, you'll naturally want to check the brakes. Front and rear. Reasonably straight forward.

Hope that helps!

 

WHAT!? Damn it! Who puts belts into engines!? I thought this thing had a timing chain!
Grrr.

 

Everybody in the late 90's/early 2000's. Just be glad your truck has one of the easier setups to change. Atleast it appears that way. I have a chain on my 4 cyl so I wouldnt know.

 

It's a pretty beefy belt. If you don't want to commit to changing it then remove some of the bolts from the plastic timing cover (front and center piece that says "3400" on it) and take a peek at the belt - if it has cracks then it's time to change it, otherwise it can probably be pushed further.

 

Oh man just the info I need.
I'm brand new here and new with Toyota and Tacomas.
Thanks so much.
My belt was changed @ 108,000 (there is a sticker on the engine ). It has 208,000 now .
I'm not sure I'll be keeping the truck. Depending on how well it pulls my travel trailer so I was hoping I could put it off safely for a few more thousand miles. Didn't realize I could take a look at it easily. ..I will!
How far are people going on a belt typically?

 

You can go 100,000 easily.

Two other items that should be done,

The fan bracket bearing,

If it goes out and locks up on you, you can loose your radiator, shroud, fan blade, fan clutch, etc.
Or if your lucky the belt will just snap and leave you stranded with a tow truck call.

Aisin Fan bracket bearing is around 100.00 at rockauto.

Also make sure your rear diff axle vent valve is clean and working,

If it’s plugged or stuck closed you will blow out your axle seals, 1000.00 repair.

Axle relief Valve is a 10.00 part,

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-differential-breather-mod-photos.111954/

 

How are your brakes?
If you plan to tow look into the tundra big brake upgrade. It really does make a difference over the small stock calipers, especially towing.

 

Toyota recommends 90,000 miles or 5 years. From my reading on the forum people are pushing this job to 150,000-200,000 miles or more and 10 years, with some outliers who are just getting around to it at 15-20 years, but their belts were in terrible shape. As usual, somewhere in the middle is probably the right answer.

Job costs: DIY $350 parts + special service tools (fabricate or buy), or around $700-900 for a shop to do it.

 

Thanks for all the input.
You all make a new member feel welcome!

 

You seem like you know your way around under the hood so I assume it was glossed over but if you're running rough and it is not the spark plugs/wires, or even injectors, I would replace the coils. Denso is OEM.

 

as far as i am aware its always been 10 years not 5 ?!? or did it recently change?

 

Looking to do a full tune up any words of advice?
Plugs/wires/cap & roarer/gas filter.
The hole 9 yards.
Thanks
Mr.Clark

 

Change air filter
Clean MAF
Clean throttle body