2003 V6 Timing Belt??

[lonetxranger]

I was just checking the maintenance guide for my 2003 4Runner for the 30K/24mo to-do list and I thought I'd indulge my anal tendencies and see when the timing belt needs replacement.

At 90K miles, it states "Replace Timing Belt" but the footnote for that line indicates that it only applies to 4Runners with the 2UZ-FE engine. That's the V8, I think. My V6 is the 1GR-FE. I can't find any instructions to replace that timing belt.

Is it a timing chain engine? Or a misprint? Or can I just not find it in the manual somewhere?

If no one replies to this thread for 4 years, it still won't be a problem...

Just curious!

- kc

[Brian R.]

That engine has 3 timing chains, no belt.

[lonetxranger]

Thanks, Brian.

Now I'm really curious! Why three (3) chains?

- kc

[Brian R.]

Toyota thinks that 3 short chains are better than one long one. Why? cheaper? more reliable? less stretch? less noise? I don't know.

[lonetxranger]

Thanks.

I'll just post one more reply then drop it. I don't mean to be tedious...

Do you suppose the chains are:

1) Drive shaft to Cam shaft L
2) Drive shaft to Cam shaft R
3) Cam shaft L to Cam shaft R

??

Is there a resource available that shows a diagram of the engine architecture? That would be cool!

Regards,
- kc

[Brian R.]

I believe there is one chain between the crank and the oil pump, and one chain from the oil pump to each of the cam pairs.

If you want an internal diagram of the engine, buy a maintenance manual from Toyota or Chiltons or Haynes.