[biknxcntry]

Tried searching this to no avail. I have an 06 Sienna that is a Braun Rampvan conversion. It is approaching 90k miles. According to recommended maintenance schedule, I am facing spark plug and timing belt replacement. I am 75 years old and a retired heavy truck and refrigeration mechanic. I still have a pretty fair box of tools and try to do my own work mostly because today's $100 per hour or more labor costs put a serious crimp in a limited income budget. I do find that a lot of things are much more difficult for me to accomplish now than they were when I was younger. I can probably still accomplish those jobs but don't look forward to it.
With all that being said, just how likely am I to have problems with the timing belt? I know I can probably get away with quite a few more miles, but I wonder if the fact that it's now 17 years old is becoming a critical factor. I'm well aware of the possible damage if that belt fails going down the road. Any long term of not having the van would be very difficult for my wife as she relies on an electric scooter to be able to get around. The van has been a godsend for being able to transport the scooter.
No haters or sarcastic replies are necessary. Just asking for an honest opinion from somebody with far more experience with these engines than what I have. Thanks for any help.

 

[Therbi]

I am on a Tundra site and see these threads all the time and like you said, yeah, you get haters and smart assed replies and arguments either way about letting it go or changing it. So keep in mind my response is not meant to be smart assed in any way.
I think have 2 options.

Drive on and ignore it, hope it doesnt let go and leave you stranded with a grenaded engine.

Replace it now and know you've eliminated that risk.

Maybe it goes 5 more miles, maybe it never fails. You can never say for sure it will fail, but time as much as miles does degrade rubber.

Since you cant see into the future to know how long your belt will last, and you said it would be difficult for your wife if you were without it, dont you think you've already answered your own question?

 

[sixto]

I’m guessing it’s FWD if it’s a ramp van. DIY is tedious in the confines of a minivan. Sedans with MZ engines are easier to work on. There are YouTube videos on doing this job to guide you every step of the way including tool options.

I did this job with basic tools after I had a Diesel shop blast loose the crank pulley bolt that defied my corded and pneumatic impact wrenches. Our van has no rust. Maybe it was overtightened the last time the belt was changed. It was changed by a Toyota dealership.

The other gotcha was the looong bolts for the front engine mount. One snapped at the threads. Rather than mess with it and likely having to go to the dealer for such long metric bolts, I got a Dorman brand mount that came with bolts. Quality is just passable but time will tell. You’ll know what to do but I offer this as a warning that things can go sideways and leave you in a position that you can’t put the van back in running condition. Plus it took a few days for the replacement mount to come by mail. Local parts stores didn’t have it in stock.

The rest is straightforward with a lot of leaning over the fender and reaching through access panels in the wheel well. You can knock it out in a day but consider spreading it out over a few days if you can. I’m another timing belt job from 75 and I question whether this was worth saving $500 in labor.

Removing the cowl might be the only shared step between timing belt and spark plugs. I didn’t remove the cowl for the timing belt job but it would probably allow a better view of the odd bank. If you have a shop do the belt, they might cut you a break on replacing the plugs (and coils?) but realistically there’s no shop time savings doing them in one go.

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 199K miles

 

[biknxcntry]

I am on a Tundra site and see these threads all the time and like you said, yeah, you get haters and smart assed replies and arguments either way about letting it go or changing it. So keep in mind my response is not meant to be smart assed in any way.
I think have 2 options.

Drive on and ignore it, hope it doesnt let go and leave you stranded with a grenaded engine.

Replace it now and know you've eliminated that risk.

Maybe it goes 5 more miles, maybe it never fails. You can never say for sure it will fail, but time as much as miles does degrade rubber.

Since you cant see into the future to know how long your belt will last, and you said it would be difficult for your wife if you were without it, dont you think you've already answered your own question?

Thanks Therbi, you're probably right on the money there, and the old mechanic in me would agree with you 100%. I guess I was just trying to get some insight into how much the age comes into play versus high mileage.

I’m guessing it’s FWD if it’s a ramp DIY is tedious in the confines of a minivan. Sedans with MZ engines are easier to work on. There are YouTube videos on doing this job to guide you every step of the way including tool options.

I did this job with basic tools after I had a Diesel shop blast loose the crank pulley bolt that defied my corded and pneumatic impact wrenches. Our van has no rust. Maybe it was overtightened the last time the belt was changed. It was changed by a Toyota dealership.

The other gotcha was the looong bolts for the front engine mount. One snapped at the threads. Rather than mess with it and likely having to go to the dealer for such long metric bolts, I got a Dorman brand mount that came with bolts. Quality is just passable but time will tell. You’ll know what to do but I offer this as a warning that things can go sideways and leave you in a position that you can’t put the van back in running condition. Plus it took a few days or the replacement mount to come by mail. Local parts stores didn’t have it in stock.

The rest it straightforward with a lot of leaning over the fender and reaching through access panels in the wheel well. You can knock it out in a day but consider spreading it out over a few days if you can. I’m another timing belt job from 75 and I question whether this was worth saving $500 in labor.

Removing the cowl might be the only shared step between timing belt and spark plugs. I didn’t remove the cowl for the timing belt job but it would probably allow a better view of the odd bank. If you have a shop do the belt, they might cut you a break on replacing the plugs (and coils?) but realistically there’s no shop time savings doing them in one go.

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 199K miles

Thanks Sixto. It pretty much comes down to wondering if I do put it off, am I going to be any less capable of accomplishing it later. Getting up and down and working in tight spaces becomes more difficult almost by the day it seems. It's probably time to bite the bullet.

 

[Therbi]

Toyota says 10 years or 90 k for the belt change I think. To me that says they feel the rubber can last so many miles or so many years. If your van is 17 years old its 7 years past what Toyota expects the rubber to last.
So yes, age does come into play just as much as mileage. Maybe more if you dont put a lot of miles on but live in an area with extreme fluctuations in heat, cold, humidity, dryness etc.

 

[circus]

When I bought my van I didn't know when the timing belt was changed so I removed a couple bolts from the plastic cover, pried it forward and took a peak. In my case it obviously needed replacing. Full of cracks.

 

[biknxcntry]

Toyota says 10 years or 90 k for the belt change I think. To me that says they feel the rubber can last so many miles or so many years. If your van is 17 years old its 7 years past what Toyota expects the rubber to last.
So yes, age does come into play just as much as mileage. Maybe more if you dont put a lot of miles on but live in an area with extreme fluctuations in heat, cold, humidity, dryness etc.

I hadn't seen the 10 year recommendation before. That does give me pause about how far beyond that it already has gone. Live in Michigan so climate varies.

 

[Bunnyslippers73]

I think you know the answer on this. Those ramp van conversions are so expensive. My 06 has 330,000 on it and I am debating the timing belt myself, but, mine isn’t in the low mileage zone like yours is. I know at 90k, I absolutely would have had that timing belt, seals, and water pump done especially if I had taken care of the oil and filter changes diligently every 3-5,000 miles.
What would it cost you to replace the van? Can you be without it for however long it takes to replace?
From my perspective, I don’t see how you can afford to put it off.

 

[paul r]

From my perspective, I don’t see how you can afford to put it off.

I fully agree as well. Just do it and have peace of mind.

 

[honda coaster]

I replaced my timing belt at 150k miles and all parts except the seals... the original timing belt looked great and the water pump, bearings all good....I bet it could have gone another 50k miles... and I changed the front 3 plugs too....the back spark plug is still original and has never been changed yet....my 05 is now at 260k miles....the mpg is good and van runs, starts great...no problems... But I plan to change the rear plugs once I do the valve cover gaskets replaced.....which both are going to be a big job....
if you're mechanic, then its easy...don't let age think bs you....seen lots of retired techs go back to work part time after retiring....reason,,,guy told me staying at home,,,the wife was too much nagging....

 

[3Wheelerguy]

No crystal ball but. I think you maybe good for a couple of years on the belt. Are you on borrowed time? Yes. Don't worry about the plugs. They last. and last. and last. Like the Energizer Bunny.

I suggest you do the belt. Just the belt. Some will say replace the waterpump and all the seals and pulleys... Which is all good. Unless there is is issue. The belt is just fine. The waterpumps 'weep' a bit and is normal. I had 440,000KM on my 2004(same engine) Original waterpump.

 

[wag3719]

Age is important, not just miles. IMO you should replace the timing belt, tensioner, idler/bearings, and water pump ASAP. The spark plugs can wait. If the timing belt, one of the bearings, or water pump fail, you can pretty much kiss the Sienna's engine goodbye. The reason that you want to replace all of the other parts (in addition to the belt) is because they are cheap to replace when the job is being done, the labor is the most costly part of the service. Water pumps on these are known to fail in the 130-150k mile range. I'm not a proponent of replacing the cam and crank seals unless they are leaking.

 

[Roader]

Replace the belt and WP. I hear you on not being as fast at repairs than I used to be. If you have a compressor and decent 1/2" impact gun you can do the job. (I've seen threads where the crankshaft bolt was loosened with an electric impact wrench but I have no experience with them.) Do you really care if the job takes you a couple of days instead of just one? I don't. Instead, I just plan for the lack of transportation accordingly since it's my only vehicle.

Other than wipers/cowl removal, the TB/WP job doesn't have much in common with spark plug replacement. I didn't R&R the cowl when I did the TB/WP but if would been much easier to get the timing marks lined up if I had. Removing the cowl is a twenty minute job. Well worth it IMHO.

The hardest part of the job for me was that rear, long motor mount bolt. It was seized in the bracket and it took me a couple of hours to get it out. Fortunately, you can head off problems and if necessary buy a replacement bolt before you do any other part of the job; just loosen and remove those two long bolts first.

I mainly used other threads in the forum and this series of videos to do the the TB/WP job. Re:

No haters or sarcastic replies are necessary.

I've found this forum to be refreshingly free of that behavior, thanks to the members and moderator.

 

[circus]

I'm well aware of the possible damage if that belt fails

All searches point to yours being an interference engine. When a $200 belt breaks, the $4000 engine breaks. Not to mention towing, being stranded, corrupt mechanics etc. Replace it and sleep well.
Better to be without a day or two and a little money than worry about being without, a couple months, a lot of money and if the replacement engine is any good.

 

[3Wheelerguy]

All searches point to yours being an interference engine. When a $200 belt breaks, the $4000 engine breaks. Not to mention towing, being stranded, corrupt mechanics etc. Replace it and sleep well.
Better to be without a day or two and a little money than worry about being without, a couple months, a lot of money and if the replacement engine is any good.

I have seen about 3 belts that went. Not 1 needed a engine. No damage.
I know what it 'says'.

 

[BillG]

I think the most important "age" consideration here is yours. I'm a big fan of DIY but, even at 47 years old, there are some jobs that require too much bend and twist and lean plus all sorts of fiddly squeezing tools and hands into places they don't really fit. The jobs aren't hard as much as a pain. There's a reason they charge $600+ for plugs and another $600 for a timing belt.

 

[BillG]

Oh, and, plugs can really go until you stall out, can't start or get misfires, but I would have the timing belt done within the next 10k miles.

 

[Metanis]

Our '06 Sienna with 205k miles had the timing belt replaced 6 years ago at about 155k miles. It was in great shape yet. But 2 weeks ago the timing belt tensioner bolt stripped out and let the belt flop around loose in the case. Still being repaired as I write this. Our mechanic doesn't believe it damaged the engine but we won't know until he continues putting it together tomorrow after the holiday.

 

[topwop]

First of all you should change the timing belt and water pump. My son had his belt break and there went the motor. Don't wait to long it's not worth the risk.
I'm going to add that I have been working on cars since I was about 12 and now that I'm in my late 60's I really hate the idea of having to pay someone else to do the work I used to be able to do without any problem. But I have come to the realization that we do get to the point we need help. Think about what your wife would do if something happened to you while working on it? Could she get around if you're laid up? Don't know if you are affiliated with a church but if I have issues I can't handle I've reached out to them and they have offered assistance either someone from church helping out or possibly cash to help pay for the repairs. There are good people out there ready to help if you just let them know you need it. I'll be praying for you.

 

[paul r]

No haters or sarcastic replies are necessary. Just asking for an honest opinion from somebody with far more experience with these engines than what I have. Thanks for any help.

I participate in 5 forums and this the most dignified of them all.

if I have issues I can't handle I've reached out to them and they have offered assistance either someone from church helping out or possibly cash to help pay for the repairs. There are good people out there ready to help if you just let them know you need it. I'll be praying for you.

Words of wisdom here! Knowing when to need help !
Don't go it alone.