Timing Belt
10-22-21, 03:55 PM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Timing Belt
Hello everyone. Just purchased a 2002 Lexus ES300 with 85,000 miles on it. Since it does not have service record, and it's a 19 year old car...I just wanted to replace the timing belt just for a peace of mind. After I removed the timing belt covers, the belt and everything look to be in good shape. I noticed the top dead center notches on both cam sprockets marked with yellow paint. Did the notches on the cam sprockets mark with yellow paint from factory? Did anyone see the notches marked in yellow paint when doing timing belt? If not, then previous owner must have replaced the belt. I also looked at the water pump, Toyota name is on it. Thanks,
Glen
Last edited by glenpointe; 10-22-21 at 05:58 PM.
10-22-21, 04:34 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
Factory did yellow mark the cam gears, as well as the metal backplate. But at this age they paint should be fairly faded, the factory colour is light-ish yellow. Can't necessarily judge a belt by looking at it, I've seen 100K+ on a belt and it still looked really good.
TOYOTA on the pump means it is original or was replaced at a dealer.
TOYOTA on the pump means it is original or was replaced at a dealer.
The following users liked this post:
Hayk (10-22-21)
10-23-21, 09:21 AM
#4
Driver
Thread Starter
Up to 62k miles, the first owner serviced the car at Lexus dealer until 2013. No service record after 2013, but the car was maintained exceptionally well. All fluids look fresh and mechanically in great shape. As you can see the yellow paint on the sprockets, just wondering the marks from Toyota factory or the previous owner marked when replacing the belt. Everything looks in great shape.
10-23-21, 12:15 PM
#5
If you have no record of it I say get it replaced. The belt look great, but it would give you a reference point to start with so you're not playing a guessing game. It's recommended to get the Lexus genuine belt and oil seals, everything else can come from an Aisin timing belt kit. The Lexus belt is quieter.
10-23-21, 04:04 PM
#6
Driver
Thread Starter
If you have no record of it I say get it replaced. The belt look great, but it would give you a reference point to start with so you're not playing a guessing game. It's recommended to get the Lexus genuine belt and oil seals, everything else can come from an Aisin timing belt kit. The Lexus belt is quieter.
Last edited by glenpointe; 10-25-21 at 10:15 AM.
Trending Topics
07-02-24, 03:25 PM
#8
Put it at TDC on #1 cylinder and to align the reference marks. Cams, at their respective alignment points. Place belt with no slack right side (looking at the engine, opposite the tensioner side). Spin over (by hand) a couple of times to make sure everything aligns as they should (must!) - all3 reference points. So, if the crank and cams align exactly as they are supposed to you should be good to go. The marks are there on the belt for convenience and expediency when you think about it. Again, be absolutely 100% dead certain that the cam pulley match the points on the backing plate. and the crank dot are in alignment after you turn over the engine at least 2 times.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post