200K maintenance???

[JP 90]

Hello,
My 1990 V6 SR5 is about to hit that magical 200000 mile mark and I want to make sure I get a lot more out of it. Does anyone have suggestions on what to get checked out (i.e. common older Toyota problems), without spending a fortune on the usual 'scheduled maintenance' packages? I dont need most of the standard stuff they give you, like an engine tuneup, oil change or brakes done, but I would like someone with more knowledge and experience than myself to take a good look at it.

Timing belt is OK, clutch has been replaced, alternator replaced, tires OK, I changed plugs/ignition wires/dist.cap and rotor recently...anything else major to watch out for on my aging beauty? A couple of months ago while away from home I had to replace the idler bracket assembly (a $500 part plus $400 labor) and I am trying to avoid other major parts/systems going if at all preventable.

Another possibility would be to wait until I do need an oil change and brake work (about 25% left) and just get one of those scheduled maint. packages, but they seem overpriced to me.

Lastly - is it worth the extra expense to bring it to a Toyota dealership? I usually use another shop.

Thanks for any advice.

JP

[Brian R.]

PCV Valve replaced, valves lash adjusted, brake lines flushed, transmission flushed, differentials lubed, propellor shafts lubed, power steering fluid replaced, alignment...

Except for very specialized work - head gasket, valve job, lower end work on engine, transmission work, etc. I don't think the dealer is a good buy. If you go to an outside mechanic, most will allow you to specify Toyota parts. That is the only advantage in many cases.

[JP 90]

Thanks for the response and advice, Brian. Getting it taken care of this week.

-JP

[Brian R.]

Your welcome

Not all what I said to check absolutely needs to be done. Just some things you should check. Replace lube in transfer case also. The transmission flush I mentioned was for an automatic. Just replace the gear lube in yours.

[digitalrain]

I recently replaced the rad on my 4Runner after talking to a mechanic.
He said the number one cause of hot spots in an engine leading to head gasket falures is poor condition radiators. Eventhough, the temp gage is down and the rad cooling fins look good ... that is not a sign that you are safe.
Considering how hot the new vehicles run ....... I'd say its not a bad investment to ensure engine longevity.

Originally Posted by JP 90

Hello,
My 1990 V6 SR5 is about to hit that magical 200000 mile mark and I want to make sure I get a lot more out of it. Does anyone have suggestions on what to get checked out (i.e. common older Toyota problems), without spending a fortune on the usual 'scheduled maintenance' packages? I dont need most of the standard stuff they give you, like an engine tuneup, oil change or brakes done, but I would like someone with more knowledge and experience than myself to take a good look at it.

Timing belt is OK, clutch has been replaced, alternator replaced, tires OK, I changed plugs/ignition wires/dist.cap and rotor recently...anything else major to watch out for on my aging beauty? A couple of months ago while away from home I had to replace the idler bracket assembly (a $500 part plus $400 labor) and I am trying to avoid other major parts/systems going if at all preventable.

Another possibility would be to wait until I do need an oil change and brake work (about 25% left) and just get one of those scheduled maint. packages, but they seem overpriced to me.

Lastly - is it worth the extra expense to bring it to a Toyota dealership? I usually use another shop.

Thanks for any advice.

JP

[Brian R.]

If that's number one, then number two is inadequate coolant.

[Tomsriv]

Yeah, replace hoses too. Besides the coolant hoses you should also check the Fuel hoses and the brake line hoses. The miles of vacuum hoses on the top of the engine will eventually break and give you driveability problems. If you can replace them as a set it would be a good idea.

[Brian R.]

Good idea. Buy a 30-ft length of small vacuum hose and take one off at a time, cut a new one to fit, and replace it. Do it for all the hoses.