When is the timing belt due?
Mine has around 60k, now.
Also any 2jz dpecialists in NY area?

Thanks.

 

believe its at 90k, correct me if Im wrong, but you may need to replace it due to age

 

90k is correct, but out of good maintenance, and just to be on the safe side, do it any way. Cheaper to do the belt now, that it fail on you later.

 

usually do them at 90k, but those that are poorly maintained or aren't driven a lot get theres done around 60-70k.

 

On the other hand, failures are rare in comparison to the amount of cars out there. Have owned two 400s and go by the general rule that if cracks are parallel to the belt line, it is time for a change. Perpendicular cracks to the belt line are normal and should be expected. I have 84,000 on my 96, the crank bolt looks like it was been removed at least once, and my belt has perpendicular cracks. I will check again at 100,000 miles and post if my timing belt snaps. Life is an experiment in applied theory.

 

yes failures are rare, but why risk the extra cost of waiting...cracks are cracks, dont care which direction they are going, the belt should be changed at any sign of excessive wear, and after a certain age/mileage.

90% of the time due to the age of most SC here (pre 97) if the belt has never been changed, it might be a good idea to have it done just to be safe rather than playing roulette with your engine, then dishing out towing expenses and having to replace the belt anyway..just saying its not a good idea to wait and see how long it (wont) last.

 

Or, you can play it really safe and change the belt every 20K miles. My advice came from a factory trained Lexus mechanic who has been working on these cars since '95. The factory line is change at recommended intervals, but his real world opinion and diagnostic procedure is what I reproduced. At his dealership, they have never seen a belt failure on a 400. Not bad for 15 years; must be all that prophylactic maintenance.

I'll post up when mine snaps.