1990 Camry--Timing Belt Broke

theOmni · #1 02-07-2007, 05:54 PM

As you can tell from the title, my timing belt broke. At the time this happened, my car was parked and the was running at idle. All of a sudden, my car just stopped, and when I tried cranking it, that "chhchhhchhh" sound just came, but nothing happened after that. I opened the hood, and had my friend crank it and then I confirmed that it was definitley a broken timing belt.

and now for my question--how much will it cost to repair this (let say that the rate that my mechanic charges is $50/hour)? and since my engine wasn't off when the belt broke, would the vavles have ben damaged as well?

-Thanks!

tw97 · #2 02-07-2007, 06:15 PM

How did you confirm the timing belt was broken?

If it did, then the best cost estimate is indeed "a lot." It will all depend on how many and how hard the pistons wacked the valves. Hard to tell until you take it all apart.

RIP · #3 02-07-2007, 06:31 PM

Check the FAQ thread at the top of the forum. Neither the V6 or the I4 are interference engines so your valves should be fine, especially since it was idling. Cost should be $200 -$300. Sometimes shops have specials and offer a lower price. Could try it yourself - a day and $40 for a manual and new belt. Come to think of it, instructions are in the FAQs.

xfeejayx · #4 02-08-2007, 12:25 AM

At $50/hr it would be about $200...I doubt you'll find someone for $50/hr though. Expect about $350-400. Don't forget to do cam seals, crank seals, and water pump while everything is apart if they weren't changed with the last timing belt change or if you can't remember when the last time was.

DFBonnett · #5 02-08-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theOmni

and since my engine wasn't off when the belt broke, would the vavles have ben damaged as well?

Since your engine is the non-interference type, it is unlikely that you have any damage to the pistons or valves.

rimfire,22 · #6 02-08-2007, 11:55 AM

I hate to hear that ones timing belt broke! Is my 89' Camry 4 cylinder a non-interference as well? It would put my pasce maker to rest a little.

rimfire,22

DFBonnett · #7 02-08-2007, 12:09 PM

According to www.gates.com it is. You can download the timing belt catalog in PDF and verify.

Mike Gerber · #8 02-08-2007, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rimfire,22

I hate to hear that ones timing belt broke! Is my 89' Camry 4 cylinder a non-interference as well? It would put my pasce maker to rest a little.

rimfire,22

The 4 cylinder 3SFE engine used from 87-91 is definitely a non-interference engine.

Mike

rimfire,22 · #9 02-08-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

The 4 cylinder 3SFE engine used from 87-91 is definitely a non-interference engine.

Mike

Mike Gerber,

Thanks for the quick reply. It's nice to know that if/when it happens too me I'll not have to worry too much. Currently my favorite dealership is harping on me for another water pump and belt. I don't even have 60K on it yet and they say I have to change it.

I told them not now!!! Don't bother me. Heck I just go in for an oil change and it always winds up another 800 bucks. What a rip-off.

rimfire,22

RIP · #10 02-08-2007, 07:47 PM

rimfire22 - 60K miles is the recommended interval for severe driving conditions. If you are comfortable with stretching it to 80k miles I don't think many would argue. I've seen and heard of many going 100k or more but, that's a bit risky. I once had one slip at 116K miles. I've pulled them at 120K miles and they look new. Have you tried another dealership?

Mike - Any problems come up with the new Camry yet?

Mike Gerber · #11 02-09-2007, 01:39 PM

rimfire,22,

Try this site for dealer coupons in your area for changing the timing belt, when you do decide to do it. Most dealers I have encountered will honor other dealer's coupons if they are in the same area:

http://www.toyotacoupons.com/UI/Deal...lerSearch.aspx

RIP,

A few. I have had the hesitation problem that all 4 cylinder engines have had. A TSB came out in October that reflashed the engine and the trans ECU's, and that cured the problem. Other than that, only a few squeaks and rattles. I recently took the car in to have the clips that hold the pads in all 4 caliper brackets replaced. That was done to eliminate some brake squeak when breaking lightly in forward or reverse when the brakes are cold. That was another TSB. Too early to tell if that will solve the problem yet. Also, when morning cold and the temperature is 30 or below, the dash on the passenger side seems to rattle against the window when you go over a good size bump. It goes away as soon as the interior warms up. There is another TSB out on that, but the dealer didn't have the necessary tools to do that TSB when I was in. I'll bring the car back in a week or 2 to have that TSB done and see if it solves the problem.

Mike

theOmni · #12 02-09-2007, 08:27 PM

Hi guys! I just brought my car back from the mecanic today. It cost me $300 to get the timing belt replaced and the waterpump and a few other things changed.

RIP · #13 02-09-2007, 11:30 PM

It's always good to hear someone gets a descent deal now and then. Stick with that shop. Cheers.

theOmni · #14 02-10-2007, 10:48 AM

There were a few setbacks to this shop-- The timing belt was on correct, but the distributor was off by a bit, and my car wouldn't pick up speed--it'd stay at 10 MPH for about 5 seconds before going further. I had to wait there for another half hour for them to fix it.

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