[22RToy]

Well, my truck is broke and I was wondering if someone might guess what is wrong with it. It's a '96 3.4 with 152k.

I went to start it up, and for the first split second or so, it sounded normal. Then it sounded like it completely lost all compression. Wouldn't turn over with the normal -tat-tat-tat- sound. My initial suspicion is I broke the t-belt. Records show that it was replaced along with the water pump at 87k, and unless I am mistaken about the 90k interval, it shouldn't have been time to replace it yet.

I haven't had a chance to take a look, as I discovered it this morning before work, but when I get home, I will first peel back the timing cover to see if the belt is broke.

Any other ideas?

PS, I also understand the 3.4L is a NON-interference motor, is that true? If so, I can quit worrying about bent valves if the belt did in fact break...

 

[TacoCrazy]

Definatly sounds like the belt...I bet you'll find that to be the case

 

[4TACXOMA4]

Also, yes, the 3.4 is a non-interference motor, so if you did break the belt...no worries.

One more thing...on the '96's, the interval for the t-belt is 60k.

 

[22RToy]

One more thing...on the '96's, the interval for the t-belt is 60k.

Oopsie. Why the difference?

 

[MattyFatty182]

Also, yes, the 3.4 is a non-interference motor, so if you did break the belt...no worries.

One more thing...on the '96's, the interval for the t-belt is 60k.

I could have swore it was 90k?

Then I need to buy a belt and get to working.

 

[22RToy]

Update:

The truck is running, and I repaired/replaced nothing! I took the timing cover off to discover the belt was not broken, and in fact looked in good shape still. I decided to check for spark for grins, and figured if it's sparking on the drivers side (opposite of the coil) it should be sparking on the coil side. Each plug had spark, and by the third one, the engine began to stumble and tried to start. I put the plug back in, and fired it up! Choked and puffed from being flooded, but afterwards idled fine.
I'm happy, but confused. Is this an indication of an impending problem, perhaps something electrical that I jiggled while I was messing around? I dunno, but it runs. Any other suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,

Gabe

 

[StemsCornfedTaco]

I have a 1998 2.7 with 86,000 miles on it, when should I worry about getting the T-belt changed??

 

[jpwaters]

the 2.7 and 2.4's both have chains, you dont have to replace until the start making a noise(rattling from front cover)then you need to do it pretty quick.

 

[StemsCornfedTaco]

I thought they had belts, hmmmm shows how much I know... :banghead:

 

[jpwaters]

a good rule of thumb is: if the motor has a metal cover on the front, then it has a chain, plastic=belt. In most cases for other manufacturers, always in toyota.

 

[Kyota]

I bet within 5-10 years there wont be anymore timing belts/chains etc. Electro-valves! Well with exception to GM, as they will still be using push-rods, haha.

Comment on jpwaters: He is very correct. But one result of not tending to your timing chain if it rattles is it might grind a hole in the timing cover. Thats what would happen with the old R's and RE's with the single row chains. Single rows had plastic guides, they broke from time to time.