Timing Chain and Valve Gaps

So, got to talking to this guy who claimed to be a long time 1st Gen owner- said there were plastic parts guiding the timing chain, and that they invariably break, requiring replacement, and that at 200k+, I should open up the engine to replace the chain and re-gap the valves. Wisdom or blowing smoke, do you reckon?

 

The 22R-E was known for the plastic chain guides wearing out. Not sure about the 2RZ-FE.

I replaced the timing chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets (and water pump and front main crank seal) on my '92 at 130K miles. One of the guides was almost toast at that point, but the other parts could have gone longer. That was a 22R-E, though. For peace of mind, it wouldn't hurt. Rock Auto sells a Cloyes timing kit for $154. An Aisin water pump is ~$50, and front main seal is $5-10. Pretty cheap insurance. Changed the valve cover gasket at the same time. Pretty easy job.

 

i have never heard that mentioned on about the 2RZ or the 3RZ.

Having said that it was very common on the 22R an RE engines.

Also the chains needed changed quite more often. The chain tensioners tend to wear out .

The valve trains are completely different between the older engine and new style.

It never hurts to check your valve adjustment if your seeing a miss or poor performance .