Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE - Timing Belt

[Amila Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Amila]

Hi I recently bought a 1998 Prado (Unleaded, Auto gear). It had done about 250,000Kms but maintained wery well by the previous owner. However I couldn't find any history regarding Timing belt change. So I would like to know any consequences of breaking timing belt in this model? (One told me its a non interfering engine and there wont be any harm to the engine by breaking it.)

Further I would like to know what are the things I should replaced along with T belt and is this model having full time 4WD? ( There is no 2H position in 4Wd gear shaft and it only says "H")

Thanks
Amila

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE - Timing Belt

Hi Amila,
The 5vz is a free spinning engine, so pistons aren't going to smash into the valves if the T-belt does break.

When you do change the T-belt, its also a good time to change the water pump, unless the service history says its been done recently. I'd look at getting the T-belt tensioner changed too and if you do the water pump, then also change the thermostat too.

And your Prado is full-time 4WD.

Cheers,
Declan

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE - Timing Belt

Hi Amila,
The 5vz is a free spinning engine, so pistons aren't going to smash into the valves if the T-belt does break.

When you do change the T-belt, its also a good time to change the water pump, unless the service history says its been done recently. I'd look at getting the T-belt tensioner changed too and if you do the water pump, then also change the thermostat too.

And your Prado is full-time 4WD.

Cheers,
Declan

Definitely check the tensioner... when I had my T-Belt changed at 160,000 k's it was hanging on by a thread and would have caused damage if it had failed completely.

[Fast Froggy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Fast Froggy]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE - Timing Belt

Hi Amila,
The 5vz is a free spinning engine, so pistons aren't going to smash into the valves if the T-belt does break.

When you do change the T-belt, its also a good time to change the water pump, unless the service history says its been done recently. I'd look at getting the T-belt tensioner changed too and if you do the water pump, then also change the thermostat too.

And your Prado is full-time 4WD.

Cheers,
Declan

Well, that is pleasing to hear. My Galant with its 4G63T motor was not free spinning..... very sad day indeed when the timing belt went

[Amila Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Amila]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE - Timing Belt

Hi Amila,
The 5vz is a free spinning engine, so pistons aren't going to smash into the valves if the T-belt does break.

When you do change the T-belt, its also a good time to change the water pump, unless the service history says its been done recently. I'd look at getting the T-belt tensioner changed too and if you do the water pump, then also change the thermostat too.

And your Prado is full-time 4WD.

Cheers,
Declan

Hi Declan,

Thank u so much for the reply, Can I know whats the normal milage to change the belt, is it 100K or 150K

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE - Timing Belt

Hi Amila,
150K is the recommended interval. There should be a sticker some where in the engine bay indicating when it was last done. I just can't remember, but I think it was either on the plastic T-Bet cover or on the under side of the hood. I'll check mine and get back to you.

Cheers,
Declan

[fishfinder Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishfinder]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE - Timing Belt

Hi Amila,
150K is the recommended interval. There should be a sticker some where in the engine bay indicating when it was last done. I just can't remember, but I think it was either on the plastic T-Bet cover or on the under side of the hood. I'll check mine and get back to you.

Cheers,
Declan

Not allways the way would be good if all mechanics had a standard place to place sticker but 1/2 of them dont note down anywhere on the vehicle when the timing belt was done . As mentioned replace water pump adjuster and also the seals , personally with no history on the last change I would do it now , it may not damage the vehicle but if you are stranded some where your up for a towing fee and maybe charged big $$$$$ as some of the bush mechanics no how to charge if you so happen to be out in the bush

[Amila Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Amila]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE -LPG Conversion

Hi My 90 Series is done 250K by the previous owner. It has 5VZ-FE engine. I am thinking about converting to LPG, However before that I would like to know pros and cones of converting such a engine to LPG. What would be the best convertion suitable for that engine? (Convertional or injection). Also I would like to know whether diff oil is contributing to the fuel economy?

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE -LPG Conversion

Hi My 90 Series is done 250K by the previous owner. It has 5VZ-FE engine. I am thinking about converting to LPG, However before that I would like to know pros and cones of converting such a engine to LPG. What would be the best convertion suitable for that engine? (Convertional or injection). Also I would like to know whether diff oil is contributing to the fuel economy?

If you go for LPG conversion, make sure you go for the newer injection type, as you will have less hassles with it and have better power/economy, most systems give you a std tank, this will replace your sub tank, however if you can get them to do a custom tank setup that puts the tank in another location you can then keep the sub tank, this will give you better range if you go bush which will be very handy.

[Amila Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Amila]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE -LPG Conversion

Hi My 90 Series is done 250K by the previous owner. It has 5VZ-FE engine. I am thinking about converting to LPG, However before that I would like to know pros and cones of converting such a engine to LPG. What would be the best convertion suitable for that engine? (Convertional or injection). Also I would like to know whether diff oil is contributing to the fuel economy?

If you go for LPG conversion, make sure you go for the newer injection type, as you will have less hassles with it and have better power/economy, most systems give you a std tank, this will replace your sub tank, however if you can get them to do a custom tank setup that puts the tank in another location you can then keep the sub tank, this will give you better range if you go bush which will be very handy.

Thanks Croozza, What would be the cost of such a system?

[VXG Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close VXG]

Re: Prado 90 Series 5VZ-FE - Timing Belt

Hi Amila et al...
The comments made by Declan and others are the same as what I have researched. I have a 1999 V6. The previous owner had the T belt and w pump changed at 80K, despite the local toyota service bloke telling me in 1997 toyota changed the t belt change intervals for the 5VZ motor from 100K to 150K. I made a point of calling several toyo dealers and asked the same question. To their credit I got the same answer....150K t belt change. I also called the dealer who did the service on my car when it had the previous owner....(I have all paperwork) and they said the same thing. So 150K it is and if you're not sure, change it anyway, plus the tensioner and pump thermostat stuff also..everyone I know always says this no matter what make of 4wd. I would in your situation...maybe do a few other things like injector clean up and valve clearance settings etc.
Enjoy, they are a strong motor if a little slow.
VXG