Timing Belt / Distributor 1994 SC300

[bruceh]

I have 118,000 on my 1994 SC300.

I have yet to change my timing belt. Should I
look into replacing it? What's the general cost
to do the work (California)?

Also, I noticed some oil around the distributor
and a friend said that it might be an O-ring.
Can it be fixed or will I have to replace
the complete distributor?

TIA

[Ray O]

Post by bruceh
I have 118,000 on my 1994 SC300.
I have yet to change my timing belt. Should I
look into replacing it? What's the general cost
to do the work (California)?
Also, I noticed some oil around the distributor
and a friend said that it might be an O-ring.
Can it be fixed or will I have to replace
the complete distributor?
TIA

According to Gates' web site, the timing belt should be replaced every
60,000 miles, and the SC 300 has an interference engine, which means that
engine damage can result from the valve hitting the pistons if the timing
belt fails. To answer your question, yes, you should definitely change the
timing belt. Check with your local Toyota and Lexus dealers for prices, or
check with shops that specialize in Lexus or Toyota repair.

The oil around the distributor can be just from a bad O-ring. The O-ring is
relatively easy to replace so it is not necessary to replace the distributor
assembly.

[St. John Smythe]

Post by Ray O
According to Gates' web site, the timing belt should be replaced every
60,000 miles, and the SC 300 has an interference engine, which means that
engine damage can result from the valve hitting the pistons if the timing
belt fails.

Yes, a real risk of totaling a 1994 car. But isn't the interval for
California Lexuses 90K miles?

[bruceh]

Post by St. John Smythe

Post by Ray O
According to Gates' web site, the timing belt should be replaced every
60,000 miles, and the SC 300 has an interference engine, which means
that engine damage can result from the valve hitting the pistons if
the timing belt fails.

Yes, a real risk of totaling a 1994 car. But isn't the interval for
California Lexuses 90K miles?

Thanks you Ray O & St. John Smythe!

[Ray O]

Post by bruceh

Post by St. John Smythe

Post by Ray O
According to Gates' web site, the timing belt should be replaced every
60,000 miles, and the SC 300 has an interference engine, which means
that engine damage can result from the valve hitting the pistons if the
timing belt fails.

Yes, a real risk of totaling a 1994 car. But isn't the interval for
California Lexuses 90K miles?

Thanks you Ray O & St. John Smythe!

You're welcome!

[Ray O]

Post by St. John Smythe

Post by Ray O
According to Gates' web site, the timing belt should be replaced every
60,000 miles, and the SC 300 has an interference engine, which means that
engine damage can result from the valve hitting the pistons if the timing
belt fails.

Yes, a real risk of totaling a 1994 car. But isn't the interval for
California Lexuses 90K miles?
--
sjs

The Gates web site didn't differentiate between federal and CA engines, and
as far as the timing belt goes, there shouldn't be a difference.

I think some late model Lexus with timing belts have had the replacement
interval extended to 90,000 miles.

[j***@hotmail.com]

Even the spec 90K miles is a bit stretched but should be ok for
highway driving. With more amount of city driving I'd change it at 60K
miles. Of course some drive 200K with the original rubber band and
that's not recommended. The timing belt stretches a little with age
and retards the timing.

The going rate at Toyota is about $180-280 (4cyl-6cyl). Good
independents are cheaper. And you have to add oil seals, water pump,
drive belts, idlers and valve cover gasket set. So people usually
negotiate a package deal before the dealer start to nickel and dime
you.

Post by St. John Smythe
Yes, a real risk of totaling a 1994 car. But isn't the interval for
California Lexuses 90K miles?
--
sjs

[bruceh]

Post by Ray O
According to Gates' web site, the timing belt should be replaced every
60,000 miles, ....

FYI... Finally found the Owner's Service Guide and it says that
at 60,000 miles...
"Timing belt require replacement only if you operate your
vehicle under conditions of extensive idling and/or
low speed driving such as police, taxi, ,or door-to-door
delivery use."

[j***@hotmail.com]

The 2JZ engines up to 1997 is recommended for 60K replacement by
Gates. Post 1997 the Toyota interval is spec'ed at 90K miles. But if
you intend to keep your car for an extended period it's always a good
ideal to change these rubber bands out at 5yr/60K even if they spec a
90K, 105K or other "marketing" intervals.

Post by bruceh

Post by Ray O
According to Gates' web site, the timing belt should be replaced every
60,000 miles, ....

FYI... Finally found the Owner's Service Guide and it says that
at 60,000 miles...
"Timing belt require replacement only if you operate your
vehicle under conditions of extensive idling and/or
low speed driving such as police, taxi, ,or door-to-door
delivery use."