1GR-FE timing rebuild - wear analysis

My well-maintained 1GR-FE single VVT just got a timing rebuild at 270k - all timing components swapped with either OEM or Toyota-labeled parts. Presented for your enjoyment are the removed parts with some commentary.

Overall, the parts are worn but still within serviceable limits. This was done "while we're in there" as part of a valve cover seal/timing cover seal job. Parts are cheap, labor is expensive, and timing cover off labor is something I would rather not do twice.

Overall the condition of the parts is better than I would have been happy to see. Less crud, very even and consistent wear on contact and bearing surfaces, and intact/serviceable guide surfaces when it would not be unusual at 270k to see thin spots or even full thickness cracks. Change your frickin oil on time and don't flog it too much and a 1GRFE can go for a long long time.

By doing this while the parts are still in spec, I'm hoping to prevent accelerated wear on inner components. I have never had a single lick of trouble from this engine and believe I am likely keep it that way for an extended service life - with my luck it will run great right up to the second that Toyota stops offering bottom ends.

Anyway, here's the money shots - please do chime in if you have any specific expertise on what you see.

 

Just found this via another link. Super impressive! Looks like simple parts lying on the table..... but a lot of knowledge and worked to get at these out and determine their current state. Nice work!

What was the oil change frequency on this engine when you pulled these parts out?

 

5k miles, with the occasional long interval due to force majeur but not too bad. Amsoil when there was money to waste on it, Pennzoil platinum otherwise. I ran a thinner oil during the winter once or twice just to see if the truck cared when it was really really cold out (Northern VT). It did not.

I believe that diligence with the air filter and using quality filters also makes a big difference on engine wear.