Time to change Timing Belts?

[2 tall]

Is there any way to tell quickly if the timing belt is good/bad? If I pull off the first few items mentioned, if I get to where I can see the timing belt, how do I know if it needs replaced? Question#2: Can I replace the water pump without changing the belt? I think I can as seen  in some of the pictures, just confirming...

[Capt Rick]

When you remove one of the plastic cover off of the timing belt, with a good flashlight look for leaking water pump or white calcium deposits under pump. Look and crank the engine to see the complete belt. If the belt has cracks or is shredding change it and the water pump. If the water pump show white deposits below change everything. You cannot change water pump w/o changing belt.

[2 tall]

Thanks Rick, I decided to go ahead and get the pump and timing belt replaced. There is a local guy that is a mechanic and a stay at home dad. SO I am hoping he can help me out. I ordered the pump kit (Aisin OEM) from RockAuto for only 140 bucks with belts. I'll keep everyone informed as to how it goes. I plan to hand the mechanic this forum and the great posts about changing the timing belt. We may even do it together.

[formerathlete]

Did you end up changing your belt, etc?  I'm curious about doing it and would love to know how it went.  Also, how did you find the belt, etc at Rock Auto?  Thanks.

[toyotafreak]

My two cents here, including aisin kit and link to older how-to post.
http://www.epicmarine.com/forum4/index.php?topic=2498.0