JackLo Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I need to do some maintenance work to my 2000 GS300 that has 220K miles on it. This work includes changing out the timing belt, replacing the cam and crank seals (which are leaking), and a few other items. It was recommended to me that as long as I already had the timing belt out, I might as well also change out the VVTi (Variable Valve Timing chain/gear) because at its age, an internal seal could go that would leak oil all over the place. However, there appears to be a one-month (or greater) back order on this part due to the sole Japanese manufacturer having to had discard the last batch of parts due to a discovered defect. That is my understanding, at least. Does anyone have any solutions or workarounds? I don't believe that there is an after-market part available. I would hate to do all this work, and then have to tear everything out again in a year or so if it goes. And I don't really want to wait a month to change out the timing belt if it can be helped. Just for clarification, I'm not an expert mechanic, but I have a friend who is who would be assisting me. Also, I plan to keep this car for quite a while longer. Thanks for any insights any of you may have! Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRK Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 It's interesting that someone has told you that the seals are leaking. Is the front of the engine dismantled now? Because if it isn't, there is no way they could tell you these things. The variable cam drive is more of a hydraulically driven helix, than a gear. I have never heard of one leaking, and if they fail you replace it then - not before. You mentioned wanting to do maintenance. Stick to that, rather than preemptive parts replacement. Fix what breaks. I'd rather have to tear back into an engine, than replace parts that don't need replacing and throw something perfectly good into the trash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackLo Posted March 6, 2009 Author Share Posted March 6, 2009 It's interesting that someone has told you that the seals are leaking. Is the front of the engine dismantled now? Because if it isn't, there is no way they could tell you these things. The variable cam drive is more of a hydraulically driven helix, than a gear. I have never heard of one leaking, and if they fail you replace it then - not before. You mentioned wanting to do maintenance. Stick to that, rather than preemptive parts replacement. Fix what breaks.I'd rather have to tear back into an engine, than replace parts that don't need replacing and throw something perfectly good into the trash. Thanks for the observation. Naturally, it was the Lexus dealer who suggested that it be replaced. To clarify, it is not defective yet, and therefore is not leaking (as far as can be detected now). But the dealer recommended that it be replaced given the mileage of the vehicle (i.e., 220K miles), since the time that you replace the timing belt would be the ideal time to do so. On the same note, I'm also going to be replacing the water pump more than likely, since it's never been replaced. You've got to think that this will go soon as well. For further clarification, I'm not doing the tear-out myself. It's a mechanic who is also a trustworthy friend. Even though he's a friend, it's still going to cost me something every time he goes in there and starts tearing it apart like lego blocks. Just as an aside, the original problem that prompted all this was a defective harmonic balancer, presumably damaged from excessive leaking oil over time from other areas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenore Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 by the way there arent any seals to the external part of the gear, they are used only inside to control oil flow..and movement of the gear in relation to the cam. Here is what it looks inside. this is one from the 3.0 engine (2003 highlander) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenore Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 funney they said would be opportune time to replace gears as the intake manifold would have to be removed....lots more labor....I dont think I would trust those folks.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwkaestle Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 funney they said would be opportune time to replace gears as the intake manifold would have to be removed....lots more labor....I dont think I would trust those folks.... We are into a job exactly like that now on a 2000 gs300 and After we replaced all the cam seals and crank seal, put it all together and the darn vvti gear is leaking!!!!!!! Now we have to start the job all over again. I hope the comment about the backorder does not still apply. Did they tell you how much that part is?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwkaestle Posted April 19, 2009 Share Posted April 19, 2009 DId you get your problem with the oil leak fixed? Did you end up replacing the vvti gear... ( I have one leaking too) Hoping to get some insight into costs etc .. thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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