Japanese timing chain cover? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Mikeintucson · 05-11-2011, 08:14 PM

I need to replace the timing chain cover on a '93 pickup (22re). I don't want to buy a cheap Chinese import, really want a cover that was made in Japan. I would be willing to buy a used cover without any timing chain grooves, if it was original equipment. I just sent back an "original cover" which wasn't. The local Toyota dealers said that they covers they sell are made in Japan, but they did not sound too sure over the phone. Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Rh1n0_86OneTon · 05-12-2011, 05:10 PM

What was wrong with the one you received? If yours only has a small hole in it, you could take it to a good machine shop and have them weld it up.

Mikeintucson · 05-12-2011, 05:48 PM

The one I received still had the water and oil pump attached. Both were evenly coated with dirt and grease, the cover itself was very clean and marked "China" on the back. It also had a sh**load of gasket sealant on it where they had tried to keep the oil from leaking out. I'm just looking for a decent cover that won't have me wondering if I'm going to end up with water in the oil again. My original has a major groove in it, I may end up fixing it but I would rather not. If I was sure that the one from the dealership was actually mazde in Japan, I'd buy it.
Thanks

Rh1n0_86OneTon · 05-13-2011, 05:54 AM

I'd be hesitant to judge the quality of a part by the lack of expertise of whoever installed it. I've seen many a good part installed with a few tubes worth of RTV because the installer just didn't know what they were doing. That being said, I have installed several after market TC covers and not a one of them ever had an issue sealing. If you are still focused on a Japan only cover, then I would get yours welded up. They can fill in the grooves and you can spend a little time with some 80 grit to smooth out the inside. The new guides will prevent chain contact for at least another 180K if you use the plastic ones, and even longer if you use the steel backed ones. I have a Japanese one that I have not turned in for scrap yet. It is grooved and leaked as a result which is why it was replaced. The guy wanted a new one other wise I would have had it welded. The cost is less to weld, but you have to have a shop you trust to do that and I do. As far as Toyota supplied covers - guess where they get theirs? Same place everyone else does. They just charge 10x (literally) as much. Not a good deal IMHO.