Ckirby

So I have been reading this forum for a few years and really enjoy it. I have read the timing belt post and have some questions. I’m getting some codes that suggest my timing belt may be off by one tooth. I have 150000 miles and decided that I will have the timing belt done. Like is said in the other post about replacing everything when doing the timing belt I have asked for the pulleys to be replaced and the dealer is balking and saying only if the make noise. I told them that even if ordered the part myself it would come with new pulleys but they said we just don’t do it unless there is a problem. The valve cover gaskets need to be done there leaking. I told the guy I would do it my self and he said well you know after you do it fuel pump or something needs to be reprogrammed . I don’t know if that is true or not. Also needs tune up. 800 for tune up 800 for valve cover gaskets and 1500 for timing belt with no new pulleys. Anyone that can tell if there has to programming done after fixing valve cover gaskets and if its too hard to do the tune up my self. It’s a Toyota dealership with good reviews but I have to try to save money if I can. I absolutely sure I will do timing belt but I really want everything replaced. Any advice is appreciated.

GregMN

There has got to be more than one Toyota or Lexus dealer around. Shop around until you find someone that listens to their customer.

SGB4570

I agree with Greg, where are you located?

DshngDaryl

I have never heard of the valve cover gasket affecting any kind of equipment that would need to be re calibrated or tuned.

In fact, you could probably just tighten the valve gasket cover bolts a little bit and that will stop the leak. The gasket shrinks a little over time, making the seal loose. Tightening the bolts resolves the issue

You may want to go to a Independent Toyota Mechanic. The SC has the same engine as a GS, LS and a Toyota Tundra, and Sequoia, so there is a HIGHLY PROBABLE chance an independent shop has changed the timing belt more than once. In fact they would most likely buy the Aisin kit you want them too.

dan25man

Agree with other members, there's no tune up required for doing the valvecover gaskets. If you are going to do the valve covers make sure they replace the spark plug well gaskets too. I forget if they are included in the kit or not. I think I did Felpro on my SC430.

1500 for the timing belt, sounds about right. I think I used an ASIN kit on rockauto. That came with a water pump/gasket, belt, and a new tensioner. I don't think it came with new pulleys? I personally don't think you need to replace them unless they sound bad or are rough. I forget if I replaced mine or not.

Ckirby

Thanks for the replies. I have read about tightening up the valve cover gaskets. I just figure I need to get another 100000 miles out of it might as well do the valve cover gasket even if tighten up would solve it would just be awhile and leaking again. I found an independent shop that is knocking off about 1000 dollars of what the Toyota dealer wanted for all the work. So about to get new timing belt tune up and valve cover gaskets should keep it on the road for awhile. I’m pretty sure the timing belt has never been changed. I did not believe the guy when he said that programming would have to be done after the vc gaskets were changed made me not want to use the Toyota dealership but they are highly rated. These cars are worth keeping on the road we have fewer and fewer of them every year.