Some more parts replaced - just because

[rider]

The car in its 25th year having covered 110,000 miles I figured that I may as well swap out some original bits for new OE parts whilst the cam belt was off being changed.

 

First time change on the idler pulley and hydraulic tensioner, both originals were in really good shape.

 

Front oil seal changed, the original one was a little harder then the new one but definitely not brittle.

 

Water pump swap, old one seems like new with not a sign of any wear or play. I've seen some USA forum posts suggesting swap out the pump at each cam belt change. They are expensive and the garage told me it was a pig of a job. So, probably not a sensible part to change as a regular service item.

 

Thermostat changed, didn't need doing but why not when the coolant is drained.

 

Flex coupling, the old original was removed and the new one turned out to be the wrong part so the old was refitted. There were no signs of any cracking or deterioration on the original flex coupling, you see BMW and Merc flexis tearing apart on much newer cars.

 

 

I have to think up what else doesn't need doing ready for next years MOT/service. Toyota really did build these cars from quality bits. The only bits that failed on the car were two of the four bolts holding the 25 year old original radiator, these snapped rather than be removed so they had to be drilled out by the garage and tapped. The radiator was last off in 2008 so the bolts had seized sometime since then. The radiator plastics survived the hose removal and refitting fine. I now have to think up over the Winter SORN period what else doesn't need doing to get the parts in ready for next years MOT/service. Toyota really did build these cars from quality bits, except maybe the bolts.

Edited October 14, 2020 by rider (see edit history)

[mplavery]

I would Like to ideally replace all suspension arms which I will do at some point.. I do feel like ripping out the engine and doing some upgrades though lol

 

I’m just worried it will take me years to put it back in lol

 

Just a little note, I don’t sorn my cars, used too but not anymore

 

Mate of mine had his motorbike nicked and when he claimed through his insurance they reduced the payout by a few grand because it didn’t have a MOT as he worked it and could not prove it was road worthy

 

When I called my insurance up they told me it effected the claim if it didn’t have a MOT

 

Something to think about

[mattdavies]

Over lock down I did a few jobs, mainly replacing rubber hoses on the car.

 

With the water pump I am pretty sure yo ucan just replace the front half, it has an Aisin part number which can be found on the american forums.

 

Just to play devils advocate, the bolts only snapped due to poor maintenance