Dear 1jz-GTE non VVTI owners.
Just to share.
This was what happen last night while driving home normally, I suddenly hear a bang and the dashboard indicator shows the battery sign and the steering was heavy for a few seconds and back to normal. Engine starts to squeal loudly. Park aside open up the bonnet to peep and guess what, the Crank Pulley was snap off clean from its mounting. I was very lucky that the Pulley was stuck in between the radiator fan and engine otherwise the whole thing will just drop of and smash any car who was behind me. Good thing I was not driving fast otherwise the Pulley might has cause serious internal damage like breaking the Radiator fan or metal hoses. Imaging if it snaps while doing 6000rpm. Scary. Another miracle was that after the Pulley snap clean off, the belt managed to hang on tight to the Pulleys mounting. By right the belt should have just flung out all over the engine bay, but it didn't. It was still tidy and neat pulling on other pulleys. Thank god. That keeps the water pump running and allows me to drive back home without any problem apart from the loud squealing noise. Truly thank God that I reached home safely. Did a few phone calls after that.
Will be searching for a 2J Crank Pulley to replace the stock 1J.
So guys, just a friendly advise. Don't neglect your Pulleys especially the Crank Pulley where there is most force on it. Keep a look out for warp or cracks on the Pulleys rubber mounting.
Solutions. Get a full steel Crank Pulley.
Pro: Will last most probably forever.
Cons: Will eventually screw up your crankshaft in long run or hard run. Probably needs a overhaul very often.
Cheers guys......and drive safe.