Busted timing tensioner.
#1
Busted timing tensioner.
Ok, I only ask because I've heard different stories and need a definitive answer.
So i got a nasty clank last night, car running just fine, just noisy. Popped the top cam cover off and saw there was little tension on the belt. Its some what tight, but not hard. Seems the tensioner is holding it, just not tight.
Question.
Due to the high compression, we've had the discussions many times that if the belt goes out, valve slap and catastrophic failure to the valve train will happen. Well... A member once posted a video (that I cant find) which showed he had removed the timing belt and went nuts on it and showed there was absolutely no slap. So whats the truth? Does anybody have an absolute definitive answer?
Now the reason for question. I asked a close friend of mine and mechanic of 30+ years if its ok to drive, or should I just say naw and wait till the parts come in. He said, well.. As long as you don't drop RPM's quickly, you should be alright. Basically stating, drive like a grand ma. His thesis? The act of revving high then allowing the RPM's to drop quickly (basically flooring it then letting off) would easily cause the timing belt to jump a tooth and make a mess. Now if I recall correctly, he said the noise is coming from a bad bearing on the tensioner pulley. But I swear I could hear the sound up top. I may have heard him wrong, he has a hard Cambodian accent. But it would make sense since theres still some tension when off which means when running, its just not holding it. Anyways...
So hearing both these stories, what are your opinions? I need this car for work and don't to use the blap blap blap car for a daily
thanks.
So i got a nasty clank last night, car running just fine, just noisy. Popped the top cam cover off and saw there was little tension on the belt. Its some what tight, but not hard. Seems the tensioner is holding it, just not tight.
Question.
Due to the high compression, we've had the discussions many times that if the belt goes out, valve slap and catastrophic failure to the valve train will happen. Well... A member once posted a video (that I cant find) which showed he had removed the timing belt and went nuts on it and showed there was absolutely no slap. So whats the truth? Does anybody have an absolute definitive answer?
Now the reason for question. I asked a close friend of mine and mechanic of 30+ years if its ok to drive, or should I just say naw and wait till the parts come in. He said, well.. As long as you don't drop RPM's quickly, you should be alright. Basically stating, drive like a grand ma. His thesis? The act of revving high then allowing the RPM's to drop quickly (basically flooring it then letting off) would easily cause the timing belt to jump a tooth and make a mess. Now if I recall correctly, he said the noise is coming from a bad bearing on the tensioner pulley. But I swear I could hear the sound up top. I may have heard him wrong, he has a hard Cambodian accent. But it would make sense since theres still some tension when off which means when running, its just not holding it. Anyways...
So hearing both these stories, what are your opinions? I need this car for work and don't to use the blap blap blap car for a daily
thanks.
#2
Instructor
iTrader: (24)
It would be safe not to drive the car until you get the parts replaces, if the if idler bearing falls apart while running it could cause you T belt to slip causing damage.
I think this is what you are looking for.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=timing+belt
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=timing+belt
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...ht=bent+valves
I think this is what you are looking for.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=timing+belt
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ht=timing+belt
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...ht=bent+valves
The following users liked this post:
Mr Jokster (01-21-18)
#3
Yea, thats what I figured... So how about that ONE member who posted a video of them clearing? Was it a one in a million? I suppose the experience of many outweighs the experience of the few. But now my issues with closure take over. How did that guy clear HIS valves?
#4
Moderator
Do you have a 300 or 400?
The 300 is non interference unless head/block work has been done or the cams have been changed. However I do not recommend driving the car with the tensioner arm broken.
The 300 is non interference unless head/block work has been done or the cams have been changed. However I do not recommend driving the car with the tensioner arm broken.
The following users liked this post:
Mr Jokster (01-21-18)
#6
Moderator
OK. If everything is stock you should be fine. Now let me caveat that by saying if the bracket gave away at high revs it may be a different story. But for all intense and purposes you should be fine. Get a billet piece from Titan or any company that you trust and also replace the belt. If its been some time since the last belt change do the accompanying seals etc.
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#9
VVTI GE is interference.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ce-engine.html
I would not advise driving like this.
Are you sure it is not the hydraulic tensioner that gave? Doubt Stock GE makes enough power for the pulley to give.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ce-engine.html
I would not advise driving like this.
Are you sure it is not the hydraulic tensioner that gave? Doubt Stock GE makes enough power for the pulley to give.
#10
Lead Lap
iTrader: (3)
VVTI GE is interference.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ce-engine.html
I would not advise driving like this.
Are you sure it is not the hydraulic tensioner that gave? Doubt Stock GE makes enough power for the pulley to give.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ce-engine.html
I would not advise driving like this.
Are you sure it is not the hydraulic tensioner that gave? Doubt Stock GE makes enough power for the pulley to give.
As for the OPs situation, I simply wouldnt drive the vehicle because the timing belt and anything the timing touches are critical pieces to the motor and should be taken seriously.
#11
VVTI GE is interference.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ce-engine.html
I would not advise driving like this.
Are you sure it is not the hydraulic tensioner that gave? Doubt Stock GE makes enough power for the pulley to give.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ce-engine.html
I would not advise driving like this.
Are you sure it is not the hydraulic tensioner that gave? Doubt Stock GE makes enough power for the pulley to give.
The following users liked this post:
Mr Jokster (01-24-18)
#13
Tensioner is easy to replace if you can get under the car. Or take the bottom alternator bolt out and move the alt to the left for clearance. Check timing and best of luck.
Last edited by TW99GS300; 01-25-18 at 12:46 AM.
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