I heard that Toyota engines have the "self adjusted tensioner". So that if the belt breaks, it won't destroy the cylinder heads like other vehicles. Basically if you have these Toyota engines, you don't have to change timing belt and water pump every 100k like other vehicles until the belt is broken. You will have to get it towed but it won't be catastrophic.
IS IT TRUE?
I have the 2002 Toyota Sequoia at 220000 miles right now. 1st owner change the belt once.
I believe they all have some sort of tensioner. I know Honda Engines have a tensioner in it.
The main thing you have to worry about is interference or non-interference engines.
If you have a non-interference engine, your engine should be fine should the timing belt break.
If you have an interference engine, kiss that engine good bye should the timing belt break.
If your Sequoia has the 4.7 engine....you may be on borrowed time.
Here is a list of the Toyota Engines from this site which are interference and Non-interference.
http://yourcarangel.com/2014/07/interference-engines-complete-list/
Toyota
1.5L (1A-C, 3A-C & 3E) Interference
• 1.5L (3E-E & 5E-FE) Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (4A-F & 4A-FE) Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (4A-GE & 4A-GZE) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
• 1.8L Diesel Interference
• 1.8L DOHC Gasoline Interference
1.8L 7AFE, 4AFE, 4AF – Non Interference
• 2.0L Non-Interference
• 2.2L Diesel Interference
• 2.2L Gasoline Non-Interference
• 2.4L Diesel Interference
• 2.5L Non-Interference
• 2.8L Non-Interference
• 3.0L Inline 6 (Except 1998 2JZ-GE) Non-Interference
• 3.0L Inline 6 VVT-i (1998 2JZ-GE) Interference
• 3.0L V6 Non-Interference
• 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6 W/ V VTi – Interference
• 3.4L Non-Interference
* 3.5L V-6 Non-Interference
• 4.7L Interference
This list is probably for Toyotas sold in U.S. because it is incomplete.
@g-t
yes most likely. I hear that there is a very good 1.4 Diesel in Europe. But I never heard of a 2.2 or 2.4 diesel in the US.
@kerem
There is some difference in engines around the globe. In Europe 4 liter or bigger engines are not so common as they are in U.S. because they cost more road tax and more power costs insurance. With 1.3 L I pay the lowest road tax rate for Auris.
@g-t
I am looking out my window and I see a 2.4L Honda, 4.8 Chevy, and a 5.7 Nissan... America!
Your car has an interference engine. Change the timing belt according to the car manual to avoid ruining your engine.
Thank you. Checking prices right now.