longevity of a 5vz-fe thermostat and waterpump?

[irish_11]

My 1999 3.4L Tacoma has about 146k on the clock, the timing belt and water pump were replaced at 90k. It might be that I am just getting paranoid, but I am booked to head to Arches, Moab and Colorado at the end of the month and I am wondering what people have seen as far as longevity on the thermostat and water pumps on the 5vz-fe engines? I'm expecting around 151k by the time I drive for work this month and get back from the trip. I know the water pump and timing belt should in theory be good until 180k (I'll probably change them around 170k). Should I be concerned about these going out? They have not given me any sign that anything is going wrong. The Tacoma runs as cool today as it did when I bought it at 125k.

Additionally anything else I should worry about replacing to deal with the heat of Moab and Arches? I think I will be fine since the Taco has done 100 degrees in Eastern Washington no problem.

 

[coho51]

I have 223k on mine and I just replaced both timing belt and water pump, they had never been replaced before. The belt was cracked bad. I was lucky. The guy who did the work asked me if I had ever heard of the toyota strawberry milkshake, I hadn't something about the cooling system. Anyone ever heard of it? Said I didn't have it yet.

 

[Gerdo]

I wouldn't worry about it. The water pump usually starts weeping and that usually isn't a big deal either.

Side note. I change the water pump, thermostat, drive belts, radiator hoses, idler pulleys when changing the Timing belts.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I have 223k on mine and I just replaced both timing belt and water pump, they had never been replaced before. The belt was cracked bad. I was lucky. The guy who did the work asked me if I had ever heard of the toyota strawberry milkshake, I hadn't something about the cooling system. Anyone ever heard of it? Said I didn't have it yet.

"pink milkshake" is what happens when the engine coolant gets mixed in with the tranny coolant, because the stock tranny cooler is located adjacent to the radiator. Usually it means the tranny is toast. Obviously only applies to auto trannies.

Most of us just avoid the problem by going to an aftermarket cooler that's plumbed separately from the radiator.

 

[Garage Guy]

It might be that I am just getting paranoid, but I am booked to head to Arches, Moab and Colorado at the end of the month and I am wondering what people have seen as far as longevity on the thermostat and water pumps on the 5vz-fe engines?

There are almost infinitely many other things that more likely to be a problem than the thermostat and water pump. As Gerdo says, a water pump usually fails slowly. Also, a thermostat isn't worth worrying about on a summer trip. If it fails open, no problem. If it fails closed, just take it out. Put together a collection of spare parts that makes sense, and a good toolbox. And enough food, water and shelter so that if one of the things you can't fix stops you, you can walk out or survive till someone finds you. Then enjoy the **** out of the trip whatever happens.

 

[irish_11]

There are almost infinitely many other things that more likely to be a problem than the thermostat and water pump. As Gerdo says, a water pump usually fails slowly. Also, a thermostat isn't worth worrying about on a summer trip. If it fails open, no problem. If it fails closed, just take it out. Put together a collection of spare parts that makes sense, and a good toolbox. And enough food, water and shelter so that if one of the things you can't fix stops you, you can walk out or survive till someone finds you. Then enjoy the **** out of the trip whatever happens.

I've got spare parts: u-joints, hoses, belts, CV axle shaft, all fluids, etc. Tools, camping gear, 15 gal of water and 4 back up rigs (even though they are Jeeps, haha). This is going to be an awesome trip. I'm not doing any serious rock crawling, but I will ride along on some of the stuff I know the Taco can't make. I'm pumped this is going to be awesome.

Thanks everyone for the peace of mind. I figured things would most likely be fine, but right before I take off I'm just going over everything to double check.

 

[Box Rocket]

You'll be fine, and your truck will be able to handle all but the most difficult trails in Moab. You'll have a blast.