[Sturmvogel]

I looked through old threads, but didn't exactly find out the info I was curious about. So, if a repost, forgive me for not reading 300 posts closely enough.

For what it's worth, I have the 3.4L in a 4x4 xtracab 2001 with 63k. Anyway, got an oil change this week, and the folks at the (Toyota) dealorship recommended a bunch of crap to do. Only thing I'm concerned about at the moment is the timing belt and water pump. Obviously, if I pay them to do the belt, then I'll get the pump done, but money is the major issue. They tell me (from what I remember of the convsersation, was going to get clarifications tomorrow when they open again) the water pump is warped, and should be replaced soon (was going to do both of these things soon anyway). They say they saw crystillization, or some kind of buildup, on the thing. Said I could keep going for awhile, but offered to cover the thing under warranty if I had the timing belt done too. I'd much rather wait until I can get back to my brother's place this summer, so I could save money on the labor, but if the water pump is going to die now, then I'll do it.

Question is, if the thing is 'warped' and has a 'buildup' on the outside of it, should I have it done immediately? Or, is this information too vague and I just simply need to talk to the dude at the dealor again to get more information? He said I could probably make another road trip (I plan on going to Arizona next week) without any problems, but that it would be hard for him to keep it under warranty if I did that (already have 63k on the truck, and warranty expired at 60k). Obviously, I don't want the thing to break while I'm out in the middle of nowhere.

 

[tanKoma]

well if theyre offering to replace it under warranty, why wait ? you shouldnt have to pay anything, am i right?

 

[Sturmvogel]

Because that offer appears to only stand if I give them the $320 for the timing belt. I could replace both for cheaper at home (I live away at school) without the labor charges. I would only do them now if the water pump was in danger of quitting soon. So, I wanted advice on how long it was safe to wait on a pump that is apparently warped and possibly leaking.

 

[Sturmvogel]

Talked to the guy again, he said it was leaking, so I went ahead and had it done. Nevermind.

 

[TomTRD]

Talked to the guy again, he said it was leaking, so I went ahead and had it done. Nevermind.

Usually you replace the timing belt when it gets close to 100k miles. My water pump had a very small leak and buildup of dried antifreeze but I drove it for 40k miles until I changed it when I did the timing belt myself. The timing belt is only $30 and the water pump is about $80.