I learned a valuable lesson over the past couple of days. I have a 2003 Toyota 4 Runner. At 92,000 miles I looked around for a shop to replace my timing belt and water pump. The dealer quoted $1,100. The mechanic that I have trusted and used for years quoted $850. The shop that I used for all my fleet vehicles quoted around $600. Since the local shop was cheapest and convienient to my office, I went with the lowest quote. This past weekend while driving home from Southern Kentucky the service engine light came on. The engine was running rough. I limped home 220 miles. Yesterday I took the vehicle in to the local mechanic that I have always trusted. He called me last night and told me what happened. The timing belt had sliped 4 notches. Radiator fluid had dripped through and caused the slip. The wrong type of gasket was used. Only the timing belt and water pump had been changed. None of the seals had been replaced. He thinks when he puts it all back together properly it will be fine. I might have been lucky. This is a V8, 4.7 interference engine. Anyway, I was just posting this story as a public service. Be careful who you choose for timing belt changes.
Don't Skimp on Timing Belt Job
- Thread starter Dagwood
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Thanks, Dagwood. I thing we all needed to hear that.
Sometimes the cheapest isn't the cheapest.
Sometimes the cheapest isn't the cheapest.
Originally Posted By: cmhj
Had 2 back in the 70s that were a pain in snow country.
How so? Did slush get thrown up into the timing belt enclosure?
BTW, I would go one further on the recommendation and stay away from interference engines--if that is even possible these days.
Had 2 back in the 70s that were a pain in snow country.
How so? Did slush get thrown up into the timing belt enclosure?
BTW, I would go one further on the recommendation and stay away from interference engines--if that is even possible these days.
Don't know all the aspects of that engine but what 'seals' are even involved in a timing belt change??
If you're trying to say they didn't put a new gasket on with the new water pump that is just [censored]. I can't believe any knowledgeable mechanic would do this.
If you're trying to say they didn't put a new gasket on with the new water pump that is just [censored]. I can't believe any knowledgeable mechanic would do this.
There are some local independents that take very good care of their high mileage fleet customers. Their maintenance is only hindered by what the customer will pay to maintain.
On the other hand, small local rental car agencies with low miles are lucky if they get the oil changed on time. I've never seen one with 20k on it that has had a tire rotation or an air filter.
You may argue that tire rotation is a waste of money,and your point is well taken. But the customer who buys this low mileage rental is told when the front tires are worn out, take it to the dealer, it's under warranty. Then we get the enviable task of telling them why worn unrotated tires are not warrantable.
On the other hand, small local rental car agencies with low miles are lucky if they get the oil changed on time. I've never seen one with 20k on it that has had a tire rotation or an air filter.
You may argue that tire rotation is a waste of money,and your point is well taken. But the customer who buys this low mileage rental is told when the front tires are worn out, take it to the dealer, it's under warranty. Then we get the enviable task of telling them why worn unrotated tires are not warrantable.
In addition; I always use OEM timing belts. To save 20% on an after market belt could cost you big bucks over the long haul.
I've always ordered my parts through Gates or through Rockauto and purchasing Gates products. Both of our Chrysler 300Ms have interference engines and both have gone through this procedure @ or near 100K. Luckily one of our local dealerships allows me to purchase my own parts (discounted compared to theirs) and bring them in for the labor ($75/hr). There are however, some parts that can only be obtained from the dealer.
We used to allow customers to bring aftermarket parts for their repairs but we ran into problems where the aftermarket part failed, and their warranty usually doesn't include labor. So now the only way we allow non OEM parts is if the OEM part is not available.
I saw the results of an Autozone waterpump for a 1993 Ford Escort 1.9L that seized up and chewed up the timing belt. The waterpump wasn't all that cheap either and I believe it had a lifetime warranty on it. Since the engine is non-interference a new waterpump and timing belt fixed it.
JTK
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That's an odd one. I've never seen a T-belt jump time unless something mechanical forced it to do so. I drove a 1984 Escort/EXP w/out a timing belt cover for quite some time in all kinds of conditions. I broke the cover doing a belt/water pump r/r and never replaced it. 220mi of random misfiring could not have been good for the catalytic converters on that truck! You really shouldn't have driven it that long.
Joel
Joel
From what I understand, the gasket that was used was incorrect or a step was missing. The mechanic said something about "RTV". I am not sure if he meant in addition to the gasket or instead of. Hopefully he will have it buttoned up and ready to go today.
No call yet.
No call yet.
Shouldn't you have first given the mechanic who messed it up a chance to make it right? I'm guessing he's not a total goof, since you or your company has an ongoing relationship.
He probably used either a Gates, Dayco or OE timing belt. Hopefully he didn't use a Chinese water pump. Did he also replace the drive belts?
On an interference engine application, it's a very good idea to replace timing belt tensioner. If it fails, you are already aware of the consequences. It's kind of odd that the belt would jump, I'd tell him to replace the tensioner while he's at it and pay him the extra $$$.
There's no need to replace the oil seals if they weren't leaking, since it's an 03. If it was a '93, yeah sure.
On an interference engine application, it's a very good idea to replace timing belt tensioner. If it fails, you are already aware of the consequences. It's kind of odd that the belt would jump, I'd tell him to replace the tensioner while he's at it and pay him the extra $$$.
There's no need to replace the oil seals if they weren't leaking, since it's an 03. If it was a '93, yeah sure.
Originally Posted By: MrCritical
On the other hand, small local rental car agencies with low miles are lucky if they get the oil changed on time. I've never seen one with 20k on it that has had a tire rotation or an air filter.
You may argue that tire rotation is a waste of money,and your point is well taken. But the customer who buys this low mileage rental is told when the front tires are worn out, take it to the dealer, it's under warranty. Then we get the enviable task of telling them why worn unrotated tires are not warrantable.
My friend bought one of those vehicles from Hertz.
All oil changes were done on time, but I discovered that the engine and cabin air filters were never replaced, and the tires were never rotated. After a lot of haggling, they replaced both filters and installed two new Bridgestone OE tires in the front. You just have to be an educated consumer.
On the other hand, small local rental car agencies with low miles are lucky if they get the oil changed on time. I've never seen one with 20k on it that has had a tire rotation or an air filter.
You may argue that tire rotation is a waste of money,and your point is well taken. But the customer who buys this low mileage rental is told when the front tires are worn out, take it to the dealer, it's under warranty. Then we get the enviable task of telling them why worn unrotated tires are not warrantable.
My friend bought one of those vehicles from Hertz.
All oil changes were done on time, but I discovered that the engine and cabin air filters were never replaced, and the tires were never rotated. After a lot of haggling, they replaced both filters and installed two new Bridgestone OE tires in the front. You just have to be an educated consumer.
Gettin' ready to price how much to replace the t-belt in the 95' Nissan 3.0L pickup I just got b/c don't know if the previous guy ever did it. This vehicle was a Bumper to Bumper delivery truck at one time.
Hoping to find someone to do it for like 6-850 bucks. Oh the joys of timing belts. Dang it, why can't they use timing chains in everything!
Hoping to find someone to do it for like 6-850 bucks. Oh the joys of timing belts. Dang it, why can't they use timing chains in everything!
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