Advice needed on jacking engine for RX300 timing belt change

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Mar 28, 2013 | 12:54 PM

metaron

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From: na

Advice needed on jacking engine for RX300 timing belt change

Hi guys,

Need to jack engine up in order to change the timing belt and was wondering about the where and how to do this. From what I can see I need to raise the engine about 4 inches in order to remove some metal block that is more or less in front of the water pump. Do I need to undue the front engine mount bolt?

I have seen the youtube videos where people jack the engine up under the oil pan but the thought of this makes me VERY nervous - is this the right way?

Mar 28, 2013 | 01:28 PM

artbuc

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: pa

Quote:

Originally Posted by metaron

Not sure why you need to jack the engine. I did the TB on my 99 and did not have to jack the engine.

Mar 28, 2013 | 08:09 PM

bob2200

Driver

Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Maryland

I watched an independent Lexus mechanic change the timing belt on my 2002 RX300 and no special tools or jacking up of the engine was required.

Mar 28, 2013 | 10:15 PM

salimshah

CL Community Team

Joined: Apr 2001

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From: Austin, TX

I read about the need to jack up the engine slightly to clear a bracket to remove the water pump. I have not done it, so I can only go bye on what I read. Maybe some one who did replace the water pump can confirm. How many inches?

Salim

Mar 29, 2013 | 01:06 AM

code58

Lexus Champion

Joined: Feb 2008

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From: Ca.

No jacking needed. If you ever need to jack the engine for some other reason, just use a large block of wood (such as 2X8X10) under the pan and you won't have any problem.

Last edited by code58; Mar 29, 2013 at 01:09 AM.

Mar 29, 2013 | 04:38 AM

metaron

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From: na

Thanks for the replies.

I am 100% sure that you have to jack engine up the bit I'm trying to remove can be seen at 5:30 on the following video:

I just crapping myself that I'm gonna damage something by jacking so that's why I wanted advice. And yes I was going to replace the water pump while I was down there doing the timing belt that's why I need to remove this darn thing.

Mar 30, 2013 | 12:37 AM

code58

Lexus Champion

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,709

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From: Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by metaron

Thanks for the replies.

I am 100% sure that you have to jack engine up the bit I'm trying to remove can be seen at 5:30 on the following video:

I just crapping myself that I'm gonna damage something by jacking so that's why I wanted advice. And yes I was going to replace the water pump while I was down there doing the timing belt that's why I need to remove this darn thing.

You do what you want with it but here are a couple of tips. IF the 2 long studs (that have the outsaide "Torx" on the end) come out, rather than break the tip off, you don't need to jack the engine up. IF they break the end off like in the video, that's when you have to jack the engine up to clear the frame rail. You are right, from my own experience (and probably most others), the end will most of the time break off and then you have to jack it up. The steel bolt tends to seize in the aluminum block. Probably best to just jack it up so you don't break the "Torx" end off. IF you are going to replace the water pump, the factory manual says to remove the timing sprockets off the cams. You don't have to do that. With the long bolts out of the way you tilt the W/P at about a 35-45 degree angle and slip the metal gasket and then the W/P in without all that extra work. Just jack it up exactly as the video showed with the removal of the upper nut on the front motor mount and you won't have any problem. Piece of cake!
To get the long bolts out without breaking the end off, if you need them out to replace a W/P, just double nut 'em good and tight and turn the inside nut to get 'em out and back in.