2.0L Tx3 Vvti

[Al Tee]

Hi folks, 2nd post on forum so bear with me!

Picking up a 2.0L tx3 vvti later this week, 53 plate, 53K FTSH & 12 month Toyota warranty. Obviously paid slightly over the odds from local Toyota dealership but pleased to do so for peace of mind.

Just wondered if anyone could advise on any issues I should be checking for whilst it's still under warranty, plus, (I've looked but cant see any related articles), will it have a cam belt or chain?

Planning to service myself in the future; any definite do's or dont's as far as that's concerned, or indeed any recommendations for oil grade or brand,similarly with plugs or any other service related items?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Al.

[Mistermena]

The oil I use in my Avensis T-180 is Mobil 1 ESP (5w-30) Running a tin of BG44 in the fuel will help a lot with smooth running. I use a K&N air filter as it gives me more mpg. I dont think you can go wrong with Denso Iridium tough spark plugs as I've put some in a Citroen C3 (1.6 Exclusive) and what a difference they were over the originals.

The 1st thing I do when I get a new car is to give it a full service and change all the filters and gearbox oil. I'm not sure what grade you need for your car, but I think its a 75w-90 (Opie Oils web site will advise you on that) but I used a straight 75w Silkolen Pro SRG ester oil because the box was awful trying to get into 1st gear when cold, and crunched into 2nd. But now that doesn't happen with this oil.

Mobil 1ESP I bought off eBay only cost me £26 delivered for a 5ltr can. Not sure if the seller is still on there, but its far better than £49.99 from Halfords...

Hope this helps

[acetip]

if there any sevices due during warranty period,get the dealer to do them,just so there is no arguements over any warranty work.though its not legaly a requirment.

[Al Tee]

Thanks folks, have logged the info received and will consider the advice at the appropriate times..sincere thanks...any idea's on whether cam belt or chain though?

Al.

[bestseany]

Thanks folks, have logged the info received and will consider the advice at the appropriate times..sincere thanks...any idea's on whether cam belt or chain though?

Al.

It's a chain.

[Cookie-monster]

Deffo a chain driven camshaft engine - and I would insist on a service and oil change history for it as well, as these engines dont like running for too long on dirty old oil - the chain wears rapidly! To replace a timing chain is extremely expensive so make sure there is no chain clatter when the engine is idling.

I would always recommend a 6000 mile oil change interval on a chain drive engine as the chain doesnt have a replacement schedule and is supposed to last the life of the engine - but wont last the distance if any oil change is neglected.

Brand of oil is unimportant - any 5w30 semi synthetic oil will do the job as long as it is changed regularly, along with the filter.

[Al Tee]

Thanks again guys...chain..pleased about that..will check mileage of last oil change too... couldn't hear a clatter but will check when we pick it up..appreciate all the replies..big thanks,

Al.

[acetip]

the time before engines had cam belts and were all chains,many were neglected but cant remember many timing chain issues then, and most were not self adjusting.are they a poorer quality these days?

[Cookie-monster]

In the olden days, most cars were not OHC type and had relatively short timing chains without tensioners, as they used a low down cam and pushrods, and yes, things were made better quality than nowadays. Nowadays, companies deliberately build cars out of cheaper quality materials to maximise their profits and pay the directors big bonuses. They dont want the cars to last for ever do they, so that you never visit the parts or service department? that wouldnt be good for profit making would it?

I used to own a Nissan Primera, and was a member of the owners club. There were quite a few cases of broken timing chains and also stretched chains, which were mainly due to neglect of servicing. Modern OHC and twin cam engines use very long timing chains which do tend to stretch more, and the tension mechanism relies on good lubrucation to tighten the chain properly as most adjusters work by pressing hard against the chain and this causes wear if the oil is knackered.

[acetip]

In the olden days, most cars were not OHC type and had relatively short timing chains without tensioners, as they used a low down cam and pushrods, and yes, things were made better quality than nowadays. Nowadays, companies deliberately build cars out of cheaper quality materials to maximise their profits and pay the directors big bonuses. They dont want the cars to last for ever do they, so that you never visit the parts or service department? that wouldnt be good for profit making would it?

I used to own a Nissan Primera, and was a member of the owners club. There were quite a few cases of broken timing chains and also stretched chains, which were mainly due to neglect of servicing. Modern OHC and twin cam engines use very long timing chains which do tend to stretch more, and the tension mechanism relies on good lubrucation to tighten the chain properly as most adjusters work by pressing hard against the chain and this causes wear if the oil is knackered.

some engines timing chains only drive one of a a twin camshaft set up,another chain from the driven camshaft drives the second camshaft and these second chains rarely have auto adjustment and any wear/stretching leaves a lose chain and effects valve timing.

if these chains are made on purpse to require replacement, why are they a servicable item after a set miliage like a cambelt.no they should last the life of an engine.