Studiogeek

iTrader: (6)

I got a 95' Sc400 at 115,000 miles. The previous owner did not do timing belt. There are Lexus service records until 70,000. No idea what happened in between. Is there any way to tell (or guess) if timing belt and water pump was done?
Are there any timing belt warning signs?
(it runs great)

CRuby

iTrader: (1)

Easy for me to say, but if I had to guess, I'd guess it was not done.
If you guess to other way, and are wrong, you could be into a lot more headache and $$$.
I'm not aware that you can tell by inspection how much life the belt has left. If I knew, I'd patent it.
No premature warning signs, until it slips a tooth or more, or breaks.

over40driv

If theres not a sticker giving the miles that it was changed under the hood, I would assume it was not. Also the belt and water pump service is a good deal of money.

TheAzn

iTrader: (2)

If you have to question the age, go have it replaced. There's really no sure way unless you can visibly see separations, cracks or worse.

On my SC300 when I bought it, took off the top cover. My timing belt started to split between the layers.

Get it replaced then you'll know for sure and sleep way easier than guessing you have x years/ miles left.

Bankswood

On the SC400 you can take the cam / spark plug cover off either side (or both) This will give you a good view of the belt. Put a socket wrench on the crank and slowly turn the crank over. As the belt turns you can inspect it. It it has not been changed you should definitely see signs of wear. When I bought my car I had no service records. When I pull the cam covers I was happy to see a brand new belt.

FYI. If your 95 does not have the VVTI engine then it is not an interference engine. A non interference engine will not destroy itself if the belt breaks.

turbodremz

iTrader: (18)

I would suggest just change it vs guessing. You can get a Gates belt for about $60, and it would be worth it knowing for a fact that it was done.

jwin

iTrader: (16)

Take a look at the timing belt with the cover removed. Does the belt look new? No wear marks, cracks etc.

Studiogeek

iTrader: (6)

Thank you for your answers.
I will take a look at it soon as the weather breaks 40.
As it is a non interference motor, the urgency has been reduced a bit however I will do it by mid summer.
Brakes and suspension first now.

SG

Dream36

If this is true, you just made my day as m ine is old and I cant afford a new one just yet. thank you

Bankswood

Well it is true butttttttt, I wouldn't wait to long because I don't know what kind of damage the belt could do if it snaps while you are doing 70 down the highway. Your valves won't crah into each other but that bell could mess up pulley, tensioners, etc.

StiCk3

iTrader: (5)

best way to tell is

a) if there is a sticker somewhere under the hood showing when the belt was done, or

b) pop off one of the cam gear covers on the front, turn the belt, and see if you can see any kind of markings on the belt. If you can see fresh markings that have a toyota part number or whatever aftermarket variant, then the belt is done. If you see a worn toyota marks or no marks at all, then it's time to replace it.

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

Im not sure on how easy you can see the waterpump on the sc400, but alot of times a new waterpump will look alot cleaner in general than the rest of the block and accessories. If its shiny in comparison then its likely to have been changed.

looking at the belt is alot safer though and if its at 115k it should have wear signs if the original belt. alot of people put off this maintenance I always check or replace, and alot of times as said above there will be a sticker on the cam cover with the mileage the belt was changed if its been done. If previous owner did not mention it I would definitely check cause chances are good it hasn't been done.

Dream36

Yeah I know mine isn't new it just isn't in the budget till next month. Ill take it easy on her till then. I was just sayin non interference is better just in case. So thanks