timing chain issues

[jakejjs]

i have this wicked rattling noise coming right from where the timing chain is . this mechanic said it needs to be replaced or else the engine will "explode" (im quoting him on that) now i know how much of a bitch it is to do timing belts/chains and im not looking forward to it. (if it even is a timing chain problem) some people are telling me that the noise is normal, but i really dont believethat. SO.... i was wondering if there is anyone at all in colorado who can help me out or knows someone who can do the work for a reasonable price....im a victim or poor college student syndrome and the case is very severe. so any help attained would be greatly appreciated

[87yotaGOD]

If you have the time, buy the kit and do it yourself to fix the problem, my truck was the same way until I got a new kit. Otherwise, I don't know who would do it since I don't live in CO. Good luck.

[jakejjs]

how long do u think it would take to replace it? like hour-wise

[sonofmayhem]

i live in the springs, sorry dont know of anyone down in pueblo who would do it for cheap. but if you need a hand i might be able to drive down and help, although ive never done that before

[banshee35]

i've replaced my chain twice and it took me about 3.5 -4 hours to complete. Removing and reinstalling the accessories is what took me so long. Thats the biggest hurdle! The chain installation itself was pretty simple. BTW, you do not have to remove the head to do it. I didn't either time and have had no leaks at all or any other problems. Good luck!

[Bakemono]

Originally Posted by jakejjs

this mechanic said it needs to be replaced or else the engine will "explode" (im quoting him on that)

To clarify what that mechanic told you, the engine wont "explode" if the timing chain breaks. Basically, if the timing chain comes off one of the pistons will hit the valves and it will either break the valve off (which causes the valve to bounce around inside the cylinder) or it will put the valve through the piston. Either way, its not good.
Cap'n

[Sidney]

Most engine wear on any engine occurs at startup with that said the R series Toyota engines such as the 18R,20R and 22R all use a timing chain which it's tension is supplied by hydraulically driven timing chain tensioner which has it's oil pressure build up few seconds after the engine has started therefore the timing chain rubs on the driver's side brown colored nylon/plastic timing chain dampener or guide and after so many miles (140-170 000 miles in the city with the average 4 starts per day) the driver's side guide breaks through causing the chain to rub on the timing chain cover for the first few seconds upon startup and when driving in 5th gear and letting off the gas.
Usually by this point the other timing components such as the camshaft sprocket,crankshaft sprocket and chain have their specs out of tolerance and hence must be replaced as well.The tensioner sometimes sticks due to dirt build up and other problems arise as well and must be replaced as well,all of those parts are sold in the aftermarket world as a "timing chain kit" which also include gaskets and a front oil crankshaft seal.Toyota on the other hand for some reason does not sell the parts as a kit but as individual parts which would cost around $400+ and from all of the reading I have done on many Toyota 4-Runner/pickup discussion sites I have come to the conclusion that many experienced off-roaders who cannot afford to buy all of the genuine Toyota timing parts instead buy the chain and tensioner from Toyota and the other parts from aftermarket as a kit but of course don't use the aftermarket chain or tensioner.
The best brand of aftermarket timing chain parts to use on the 20R & 22R series Toyota motors are:

http://www.engnbldr.com/ToyotaHotlicks.htm
http://www.22r.biz/
http://www.rpmrons.com/toyotatiming.html
http://www.toyota-engine-parts.com/
http://www.europeanautomotive.com

and if you choose to buy from Toyota these places have the best prices in the USA & probably the whole world:

http://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/partscat.html (10% shipping)
http://www.toyotadiscountparts.com (free shipping with $100 & up)
http://www.Toyotaparts4U.com
http://www.toyotaofplano.com

Other ways to check timing chain wear are:

http://www.misterfixit.com/chanslop.htm

you can also remove the valve cover and take a flashlight and see if the driver's side timing chain dampener or guide wore through.

You can bend 1 to all 8 valves and have timing cover eaten through if you wait and then coolant and oil mix together to give you butterflies in your stomach.You can do a fluid analysis on your engine oil by going to any Caterpillar and buying a fluid analysis kit for around $15-20 and taking a sample of your old oil.

Finally these sites explain the timing chain replacement well:

http://yotarepair.com/22R%20timingchain.html
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ingChain.shtml
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/timingchain/

Sidney® ™
Repairs tv's,vcr's,home/car audio out of my home
E-mail:sidneybek@yahoo.com
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia
Canada
1985 Toyota 4-Runner,solid front straight axle,factory cruise control,sunroof,22R-E,W56,RN60LV-MSEK,rusted rear step/towing chrome bumper with 245 000 KM

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[jakejjs]

damn, what sucks is that this truck only has 98000 miles.....barely broken in.

[jakejjs]

Originally Posted by sonofmayhem

i live in the springs, sorry dont know of anyone down in pueblo who would do it for cheap. but if you need a hand i might be able to drive down and help, although ive never done that before

thanks a lot for the offer, but my family has decided to pay for the repair. but i still want to find a mechanic that installs customer parts so i pick the chain and parts i want.

[Sidney]

Originally Posted by jakejjs

thanks a lot for the offer, but my family has decided to pay for the repair. but i still want to find a mechanic that installs customer parts so i pick the chain and parts i want.

I would call your local community colleges/vocational schools and they will replace it for free if not find a friend,relative,neighbour or co-worker who like to repair cars on the side as a hobby or a favour or even trade services or buy them several cases of beer.
If that fails find a local off-road club and you will find severak people that own 4-Runners,pickups and landcruisers where those people have all of the experience and will replace your timing chain kit for around $150 (labour).

Sidney® ™
Repairs tv's,vcr's,home/car audio out of my home
E-mail:sidneybek@yahoo.com
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia
Canada
1985 Toyota 4-Runner,solid front straight axle,factory cruise control,sunroof,22R-E,W56,RN60LV-MSEK,rusted rear step/towing chrome bumper with 245 000 KM

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This is Bunny.Copy and paste bunny into your signature to help him gain world domination.

[jakejjs]

i tired the college here but they only work on their own cars and friends cars. my buddy was in that class last semester so this chain just waited too long to mess up.....but owell. i dont even know where to start looking for clubs to fix it. plus i hate asking people i dont know to do cheap work, i feel like a mooch.