Timing chain

Hi Everyone;

Gotta 1996 taco, 22RE, ext cab, 4x4 and it has 200,000km (120,000miles) on it. The previous owner put 70,000km since he bought it and never put a timing chain in. So I believe it is time to do it now before anything goes wrong. I am thinking it must have had it done at least once in it's life since I doubt the original would have lasted this long.

That being said I won't be doing this repair and taking it to a shop. (this is beyond my skill level). Can anyone advise what else, besides the chain and gaskets, should be changed at this time too? I have heard the water pump should be checked/replaced, the cam gears replaced if worn. Anything else worth doing while the front of the engine is wide open?

Also, my mechanic is quite seasoned (15+years experience) but should I do this at the dealer instead? I am sure it will cost more but would it be better serviced there?


Thanks;


Josie

 

I don't know much about the 22RE but it sounds like you're on top of it. And if you trust your mechanic I say go to him 15 years is a lot more then I a lot of the dealer mechanics. Find out if there is a kit for the timing chain like they have for the timing belts.

 

Really? I guess every car I have ever owned called for the chain to be done every 100k-km (60k miles) Had a 2000 Toyota Rav 4 and that's what it said for it. Though they did tell me it was a car engine really (corolla). Would this make a difference in a truck engine?

 

The main reason that the timing chain needs to be replaced on a 22RE engine is because the guides break. If you take off the valve cover you can see the timing chain and the plastic guides on each side. If they are broken they will cause the chain to have play in it and flop around more causing the timing chain cover to wear out. Many places sell timing chain kits that now come with metal chain guides instead of the factory plastic ones. Check out engnbldr.com for good after market timing chain kits with the metal guides.

 

check that water pump while your down there.

I just rebuilt our 22re motor in our 86 truck. Solid motors. But yea the chain is good prolly to like 200k

 

If you have a 1996 Tacoma 4x4 you have the 3RZ-FE not the 22RE and the timing belt should not need to be replaced at 120K miles. So you should be fine

 

Wow..Sorry everyone but I am so confused with this. In the meantime since I posted this, I have been checking the dealer's Preventative Maintenance and getting conflicting stories there too. Some say it's a lifetime others say ever 100,000km

Kmok- If it is as you say and I have the 3RZ-FE engine, how could I tell for certain? Is is written on the block when I pop the hood? Is it in the Serial Number somewhere? And are you SUPER SURE it doesn't require regular Timing chain maintenance changes? I asked the old owner when I bought the truck last month about the chains status who said that he never heard of needing to do one. His mechanic never mentioned it to him either. I guess the idea of not doing it AT ALL is just foreign to me. But if it is fine and OK to leave it, the cash savings certainly appeals to me!

Everyone - Basically, the truck outside of needing an O2 sensor (which is getting done on Wednesday), runs AWESOME! I do not hear any rattles or issues on start up so this Timing Chain idea is a completely preventative measure. (My old Rav 4 sounded like it had an exhaust rattle when it's belt was going)

I guess its like this, I love my new to me truck so MUCH!, I want to make it last as long as I can. And I don't want to look like the stupid girl, cell phone in hand, on the side of the highway who should of known better . I mean it looks pretty bad if you can kill a Tacoma while highway driving right?

Thanks so much guys !!


Josie

 

It will probably say on the head or the intake manifold. If you looked up the vin of the truck it would probably tell you as well. I have the 3.4 5vzfe so I know more about that engine. Timing chains don't need to be replaced until very high mileage or the your engine shows symptoms of a worn timing chain. You should at least get 200-250k miles on the 1st chain. At that point the chain will probably have stretched out.

Here's a pic of 3rz-fe (its from a T-100 but it should be very similar if not the same)



Btw the 22r(e) came in 1981-1995 Toyota hilux/pickups. When the Tacoma came out in 1995.5 it came with all new engines.

 

Go to my write up on the spark plug change for the 3RZ-FE engine. I believe that this is the engine you have in your Tacoma. Also when you open the hood there should be a sticker on the hood that says the engine type (at least mine has one it is on the left hand side of the hood).
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...park-plugs-wires-2-7-liter-3rz-fe-engine.html

 

I took a peak under the hood this morning and on a sticker on the top left of the hood, it said the engine was indeed a 3RZ-FE. Here are some pics. Note that the thing is very dirty due to all the undercoating it has had over the years. Messy but looks like it has helped it ALOT!

So I should just wait on the chain then everyone? I asked my mechanic and he said it should be fine too. Also, since he is putting a new #1 O2 sensor in it for me, it should work alot nicer regardless. At least I will now know be able to isolate if there should be any issues with it.


Josie

 

I have never heard anything about replacing a timing CHAIN unless there seemed to be something wrong with the engine. Now a timing BELT that is another story. I would change the spark plugs and wires (see my nice write up-save yourself some cash) at a minimum (along with the oil and filter).

 

yep, leave the chain alone.

If it were mine, I would change the plugs, filters, coolant, and have the mechanic check the valve clearances to make sure they are still in range. After 15 years, coolant hoses, radiator, and thermostat would be a very good idea to change if they are still original.

 

Everything I've ever read and ever heard basically says the timing chain should last the life of the vehicle, in other words you shouldn't have to worry about it ever.

 

That sticker with the bar code next to the oil fill also said 3rz on it at some point, but it looks to have ripped off. But yes, you definitely have a (dirty) 3rz.

 

dude...a lot of the older yota motors had timing chains...not belts...hence, bulletproof motor lol

and D'oh! sad you dont have a 22re!

 

I don't think the timing chain vs timing belt should decide if a motor is bulletproof or not. For the 5vzfe (3.4) it has a timing belt, but if the belt snaps for some reason, there will be no damage to the engine because it is a non interference engine. Also a belt is supposed to be changed every 90k miles, but many people go way past that before changing the belt.

The 3rz is a better engine than the 22R(E) imo

 

Friend at work has an '87 22re....if memory serves me, info on the guides checks. And you're wise to look into the other parts while your mechanic is in there.

Sounds like you have a trust worthy mechanic...I'd talk to him about it and take his advice...if my interpretation is correct on the trust worthy part.

EDIT: Yeah leave the chain alone and do the other stuff, plugs/hoses/etc.