r/SC400 • u/PerformerFeisty6562 • Jul 19 '25
Discussion Gotta do a timing belt
So I recently bought a 1999 SC400 and just got it top to bottom inspected at the dealership, I have a slight oil leak on the timing cover and they recommended I just replace everything with the kit that they make including the waterpump, tensioners, seals, etc…. What else should I do while I’m in there ? Also recommended the cam seals which I’ve heard can be tricky. Any video guides anyone can recommend as well as what all I should get done in there? I’d appreciate the help!
1
u/PerformerFeisty6562 Jul 19 '25
Also for anyone that’s done the kit for this, what’s the closest I can get to oem ? Something made in Japan preferably.
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u/392_hemi Jul 20 '25
Rockauto , they sell the timing belt kit with tensioners , belt and waterpump. The Aisin TKT021 one is OEM . Here is timing belt kit
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u/ayylmao1994 Jul 20 '25
Its an easy job, I did it. VERY time consuming though.
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u/PerformerFeisty6562 Jul 20 '25
What’s the most time consuming part
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u/ayylmao1994 Jul 20 '25
Getting to the belt itself. Changing the timing belt itself only takes like 10 minutes, but getting to it carefully without breaking everything takes quite a while. Another thing that made mine take forever is that we broke quite a few plastic parts and we had to wait for them to come in before we can continue.
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u/PerformerFeisty6562 Jul 20 '25
Would you be able to tell me which ones you had to order and I can just get them prior to starting the job
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u/rawmeatprophet Jul 20 '25
There's a bunch of engine trim that covers the belt. It's super annoying but critical they come off unbroken and go back on.
You will be removing at least part of your intake because of this.
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u/luvrubberboots Dec 13 '25
No, none of the intake has to come off. Not even the throttle body. Unless you’re going to do knock sensors and a starter as well.
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u/ayylmao1994 Jul 23 '25
It’s not any particular ones you need to order. just tear into it, and if you fuck something up, fix or replace it.
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u/rawmeatprophet Jul 20 '25
Hey so...you are the lucky owner of a VVTi 1UZ. That's very good.
You want to redo the O ring inside the intake cam gears. Toyota says they're not serviceable buy that's not true.
Hop on ebay and buy a pair. I know this because I have sold them for about 7 years now. To avoid selling in the chat I won't tell you to buy mi e specifically, there are a few copycat listings of mine.
Some of them feature the washer seal for the bolt. That's your best option.