When should timing belt be changed in SC4?
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 0
From: CHICAGO
When should timing belt be changed in SC4?
I have going through the archives and everyone seems to have different answers, and I find this quite important.
I see estimates between 60-90K. Now I find this hard to believe because on my 94 BMW the belt according to the manual should be done every 50K, and taking it above 60K is taking a REAL chance.....let alone 70-90K.
I dont have the owners manual, can anyone tell me what the MANUAL says for timing belt intervals....93 SC400? Im not taking what the people said their dealers said, or mechanics, because there seems to not be a consensus there. If a 92-94 SC4 owner can look this up, Id really appreciate it.
Also...what would happen if the belt broke? Again....there seems to be differences in opinion in the archives....I find it hard to believe the belt breaking would not cause SERIOUS damage and expensive damage to something........but some in the archives say it wont.
I see estimates between 60-90K. Now I find this hard to believe because on my 94 BMW the belt according to the manual should be done every 50K, and taking it above 60K is taking a REAL chance.....let alone 70-90K.
I dont have the owners manual, can anyone tell me what the MANUAL says for timing belt intervals....93 SC400? Im not taking what the people said their dealers said, or mechanics, because there seems to not be a consensus there. If a 92-94 SC4 owner can look this up, Id really appreciate it.
Also...what would happen if the belt broke? Again....there seems to be differences in opinion in the archives....I find it hard to believe the belt breaking would not cause SERIOUS damage and expensive damage to something........but some in the archives say it wont.
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 0
From: California
Here ya go..
Do a search about interference designs, you will find all the timing belt info you need...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...t=interference
On 1993 & prior models, replace at 60,000-mile intervals; on 1994 & later models, manufacturer does not recommend a specific maintenance interval.
Good luck.
My suggestion is to inspect the belt every 20k miles or once a year....replace as needed but don't lose any sleep over it.
Do a search about interference designs, you will find all the timing belt info you need...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...t=interference
On 1993 & prior models, replace at 60,000-mile intervals; on 1994 & later models, manufacturer does not recommend a specific maintenance interval.
Good luck.
My suggestion is to inspect the belt every 20k miles or once a year....replace as needed but don't lose any sleep over it.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Very easy!
Take about 5 minutes and you will know if you need to replace your timing belt or not. Just open the driver side spark plug cover and take a look at your timing belt. If it crack, you need to replace it asap. Otherwise don't worry about it for another year before you inspect your timing belt.
Take about 5 minutes and you will know if you need to replace your timing belt or not. Just open the driver side spark plug cover and take a look at your timing belt. If it crack, you need to replace it asap. Otherwise don't worry about it for another year before you inspect your timing belt.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,387
Likes: 1
From: bat country
Lexus recommends you change the belt every 90,000 miles; However, these belts can last 120,000 and even 180,000 miles in some instances. Before you decide on getting the belt changed, examine it for yourself. If it is still healthy, you don't need a new one, even if the odo reads 300,000 miles. If there are cracks and dry rot holes in it, then change it out even if your car only has 5,000 miles on it. All Lexus engines are non-intereference engines, meaning basically nothing bad can happen to your engine if the belt snaps spontaneously. Worse case scenario you can't pull all the way over to the shoulder after that happens, or your car falls off the tow truck while he's towing you back to a shop. Both are very unlikely situations so don't worry about it. The timing belt is one of the last things you need to worry about on these cars.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: California
SC400 Timing Belt
Well this is good news to read. I just bought a 1993 SC400 from a Dentist with 198k miles on it. He took fairly good care of it up to about 130k, then gave it to his brother (also a Dentist) to drive. His brother smoked so he burned a few things here and there which I'm replacing. The timing belt was changed at 80k miles, so the second belt has over 100k on it. I'll check it out now that you all explained how to do it as I was told to change it asap along with water pump, tensioner, v belt pulleys and crank shaft seal. Over $1k in repair I can't afford right now. I already replaced the power steering pump and that seemed to take care of the leak. With a little TLC this car will be a dream. I'm glad I found this site today as it will definately be a help to me as I get this car back into top shape.
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Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 102
Likes: 2
From: VA
Darn, previous owner changed the belt at the dealer recommended 60K, and I just changed it again myself 2 weeks ago at 120K. While changing the belt two weeks ago, I noticed the old belt looked just as new/mint as the new timing belt. Pretty much a waste of time and effort.
Shouldn't have bothered, but oh well, guess better safe than sorry.
LexusBiz
Shouldn't have bothered, but oh well, guess better safe than sorry.
LexusBiz
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
The V8 in my car is definitely non interference 
I wouldn't let the belt snap though... it could still do same damage to the pulleys or water pump flying around in there like that....
and please throw questions like this in the engine forum up there...
I wouldn't let the belt snap though... it could still do same damage to the pulleys or water pump flying around in there like that....
and please throw questions like this in the engine forum up there...
Last edited by Fred Smith; Dec 4, 2003 at 07:32 AM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: California
Thanks
Thanks for the warm welcome to this board. I checked the timing belt over the weekend. It looks brand new, so I'll leave it in a while longer and fix the leaks here and there first. Noticed a small line of oil under the car after having it parked most the weekend in the garage. Might be the oil pan, who knows. I need to get under the car and check it out.
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