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Old 03-12-2010, 01:46 PM   #1
K10
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02 Tundra Timing Belt replace or not?

Hey Guys, I have just purchased a 2002 Toyota Tundra with a 4.7L V8. I believe it has a timing belt (from what I read on the posts here). However, this truck is a 2002 with only 21K miles on it. So, my dilemma is... Do I replace the timing belt b/c of how old the truck is, or wait till 60K miles and replace it then??? any thoughts.?
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Old 03-13-2010, 10:46 AM   #2
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Re: 02 Tundra Timing Belt replace or not?

It's an interference engine so costs aside, it would be wise to replace it soon.
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Old 03-13-2010, 08:31 PM   #3
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Re: 02 Tundra Timing Belt replace or not?

Well, I don't want to replace the belt if It really doesn't need it. But on the other hand, I defiantly do NOT want it to break on me.
What do you mean by interference engine?
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Old 03-13-2010, 09:20 PM   #4
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Re: 02 Tundra Timing Belt replace or not?

When the timing belt slips or breaks the engine will either run poorly or stall out and not restart. The moving valves in the cylinder head will either be opening too early or late (belt slip) or stop moving completely. Many engine designs are non-interference meaning there is enough room or space for the valve to be completely open with the piston fully extended.

On an interference engine like yours, severe mechanical damage can occur when the timing belt slips or breaks. Think about it running at 3000 rpm and suddenly the valves stop moving. When the cylinder heads are removed it looks like someone had a punch and chisel in there. Total engine destruction.
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Old 03-17-2010, 12:36 PM   #5
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Re: 02 Tundra Timing Belt replace or not?

Replacing the timing belt at this time would be very conservative. It is the safe thing to do, but normally they last much longer than their recommended change interval. It it were my truck, I'd wait until 60k.
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Old 03-23-2010, 09:32 AM   #6
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Re: 02 Tundra Timing Belt replace or not?

The say to change it at 90k. I kept putting mine off and finally had mine changed around 115K, had the water pump, tensioners and pulleys replaced while they were in there. With those few miles I would just wait until it got around the 90K mark
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Old 03-26-2010, 01:29 PM   #7
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Re: 02 Tundra Timing Belt replace or not?

Hm... Thanks for the information guys. I pealed the black plastic part of the timing belt cover (on drivers side) back today, by removing about 4 screws. There was no visible signs of age on the smooth part of the belt from the 3-4 inches that I looked at. So, I might just take your advice, and wait till around 60 K miles, even though the age of the belt is my main concern.
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