Head Replacement

So I have a 2017 Tacoma TRD OffRoad (3.5L V6, 6spd, 4WD) that has developed the dreaded P11E(X) code (Mine is ED, cyl 2).
I'm at 233k on the clock, so warranty work is out of the question, and there's no way in hell I'm paying a stealership to replace it.
I have a head, and I'm sourcing gaskets, etc.
My question is, is there a way to maintain tension on the timing chain so the front cover doesn't have to be removed? Any head removal I've ever done in the past, I've completely removed the timing components and re-timed the engine as part of reassembly, but from what I've read, the engine basically has to come out of the vehicle to remove the timing cover?
I've found very little in the way of detailed information about doing a head replacement on these engines.

 

Personally I’d pull the motor so I could reseal the timing cover along with a new crossover pipe on the back.
Trying to shortcut a timing procedure could really be a disaster if you misalign something.

 

I was afraid that was going to be the case. I was hoping there was a way to make this a fairly quick job. Pulling the motor, it is.

 

You have to remove timing cover to remove the head. also you need to remove both oil pans(low and upper) and anything else that prevents their removal.
Theoretically, there is enough room to work on, but that cover is huge and installation could be a pia.
I've done I4 engine without removing the engine and it was not bad

 

Is the dreaded P11E(X) code related to the Dread Pirate Roberts?

 

It'll most likely kill you in the morning.

 

On a related note, are there any aftermarket sources for a top end kit for these engines? I can't find squat.

 

A gasket kit?

something like this? https://toyotaparts.lakelandtoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-engine-cylinder-head-gasket-set-41120p211

 

Fel pro gaskets.

 

Yeah, but I was hoping to not spend the GDP of Nigeria at a stealership... hard to swallow that price when you can get a full engine gasket set for a 4.0 for $100 less....

 

Link? I can't find a felpro kit anywhere.

 

Damn. They don't make for v6, only 4 banger. Its a shame. I would stick to oem. However, oem coating they used on the hg is pos and caused alot of issues on various engines

 

why not go for a lower mileage complete engine?

 

Because a low mileage engine is $6k+ here.

 

Mines been throwing p11ed for 75k miles +-

I’ll report back when it finally causes significant damage

 

its your money but the flip of the coin is your engine has 233k miles on it. You will surely buy yourself more time with a lesser mileage engine plus if you have to remove the engine anyway and deal with the timing it might save you time on the install vs head especially if you snap a bolt (and lets face it 233k is a lot of heat cycles)

 

Are you experiencing any missing? I'm having to clear the code repeatedly in order to keep my cruise working.

 

I get what you're saying, but shouldn't these engines be good for way more than 233k?
I would imagine that I could just rebuild the engine from the ground up for less than I'd pay for a used low mileage engine...

 

no misfires. I get p216d simultaneously. I clear it every morning and if I leave my truck run all day it doesn’t re-appear. Truck does idle rough compared to my 22.

 

Yeah, mine is noticeable at idle. Runs fine otherwise.