Peacebay

.... and almost kind of annoyed I did. It still was good for peace of mind, but it looked almost indistinguishable from the new one. Oh well, still a cool project.

LS430inDE.

Nicely done! That's quite a nice and clean looking motor. I wish I had your skills (and time and place) to do a job like this by myself!

bradland

It's invaluable experience to have that job under your belt. So many are intimidated by it but the only real challenge is staying organized. Now if an issue ever arises you'll have the confidence to dive right in and take care of it.

Peacebay

I get the lack of space and time but seriously do not doubt yourself! This job is easily accomplished with simple hand tools and some patience.

I love buying cars, I love working on cars, I love researching cars. But somehow this is my first ever Toyota. I cannot stress enough how much I admire Toyota's engineering to make their vehicles easy to service. Somehow to complete a major service like a freaking timing belt all you need are simple hand tools like hex head sockets and a phillips head screwdriver.... (and pliers to remove coolant line/ air line clips) It really is mind boggling to me, considering, for example, to do the water pump on a previous VW GTI I needed two different special torx bits and a sacrifice to the german car gods.

I sent my wheels off to get powder coated too. I'm excited to show you guys the finished product when I detail her and put the fresh wheels on for the warm weather. (i also did a ton more stuff to it this winter like Daizen steering rack bushings, new OEM trans mount, new LED fogs). It's been so fun.

Natey2

I had mine (2005 LS430) done at the Toyota dealership at 100K. I felt the same way: the old belt and parts didn't really look worn at all.
I always regret venturing into the engine by myself, so I get someone to do it.
The last time I tried to replace my engine air filter myself, I could only get 3 of the 4 clamps secure. lol
When I later took it for an oil change at the dealership, somebody there must have secured all 4 clamps properly.

2KHarrier

Same result with my 2005 last year. I changed it due to age, and with 59K on the car, it looked new.
My 2001 had roughly 90K on the belt when I did that one last year, and it did show a little wear, but not much..

Peace of mind and a great way to spend an afternoon...

Trilkb

My first ever timing belt I did was on the infamous 3000gt vr4. The ls430 is a breeze. Tons of space.

lorenr

iTrader: (1)

I did mine also. First time doing a timing belt and no big deal. I'd done a lot of timing chains though. Really very few tools needed. Just take your time and stay organized. By the way do yourself a favor and replace the water pump, tensioners and related parts. Then you know.

Could not be more amazed at the quality and fit of the Toyota parts. Everyone thinks German engineering is so great. Guess again.

Loren

barges

Crankshaft pulley bolt is the hard part with only hand tools.

Peacebay

Johnhav430

Me too, takes a lug nut off in < 1 sec, compare that to a breaker bar with a socket, 6 per wheel on my wife's. Then you also get introduced to a 20V family of tools. Weed trimmer works like a charm, no more stalling with a 2 cycle.

Nice job on the timing belt! It's interesting how the coolant looks orange. When I first saw that with mine in the reservoir and radiator, I feared Dexcool (I topped with Xerex pink). But I poured old antifreeze, and new, into clear water bottles, and it was uncanny. Under certain angles and lighting, the Toyota pink coolant looks orange. Same when one looks at pics online, like here.