Service Technicians (North East)

[Avidx22]

Looking for a service technician near Southern, Connecticut. Closest one to me is in Rochester, NY and that's about 450 miles away. Called local Toyota dealers and they are not helpful at all. Need timing belt changed soon. Also, how long does the shaft packing last? One more thing.. how helpful is it to rent the diagnostic tool? FYI Nice summer so far. No problems with the boat. Plugs stopped fouling. I use that ethanol gas additive. GCM

[ktdust]

I found Toyota car dealers to be of no help what-so-ever. Regarding the timing belt, I would try your local import mechanic. I did mine myself, but have heard from a friend with an E22 that he had his local garage do it for him with no problems. No need to pull the motor or the ski pylon on his boat. Just need to remind them to protect the carpet.

Can't comment on the diagnostic tool, but there are posts about scanners available on e-bay or thru the website.

[Avidx22]

Hi Ktdust. Seems like a good place to start. I was told that you need a special tool to keep the cams from moving. Is this true? If not maybe I'd try it myself. I have about 500 on my 1999 X22 so in your estimation am I in danger of a the repercussions of a loosening or torn belt any time soon? Was yours frayed?

[JIMBO]

i bout my 2001 s22 from "toyboat" and he had the timing belt done at the local sacramento toyota/lexus dealer, he said if he had just called them and asked, the answer would have been "no" so instead he pulled out the back seat and all the stuff he could on his own so there was easy access to the motor and took it down there and showed them. the mechanic was more then happy to change the belt and said it was no problem with the easy access. worth a try in my opinion even if you have to try a few dealers since you have to strip it all out anyway! if they all say no then tackle it yourself or wait till closing and wave cash at the toyota techs.

good luck

[Avidx22]

Hey Jimbo,

Sounds like that may be a good way to go. I like the idea of visiting after hours. Maybe I can get a mechanic to come to my house. Will let you what happens. Tx!

[ktdust]

You do need a tool to keep the cams in place and you need to make sure the engine is Top Dead Centre (TDC). Quite a complex project, but it can be done by a novice such as myself. My belt was in really good shape. 10 years and 200 hours, but replaced it anyway. Also did the pump at the same time.

I agree with Jimbo, get all the obstructions out of the way so the engine is exposed when you take it in.

Good luck.

[Avidx22]

Hi Ktdust,

Thanks a bunch for the feedback! I may attempt it. Will do some more research here first and wait til the off season. You mentioned that you replaced the pump, do you mean the oil pump? Avidx22

[ktdust]

The water pump was replaced. You basically need to pull the timing belt to get at it so thought I'd do them both at the same time.