Fix? 1991 Pickup 22re

[focsle]

Timing chain finally went on our '91 Toyota pickup. Only has 107k. Is it worth it to fix it? Thanks for any input.

The rest of it is in decent shape.

[Thelt]

Originally Posted by focsle

Timing chain finally went on our '91 Toyota pickup. Only has 107k. Is it worth it to fix it? Thanks for any input.

The rest of it is in decent shape.

Definitely

[kathyricks]

Originally Posted by focsle

Timing chain finally went on our '91 Toyota pickup. Only has 107k. Is it worth it to fix it? Thanks for any input. The rest of it is in decent shape.

Yes assuming you didn't ignore the rattling / grating noise for several months which could have caused the coolant to mix with the engine oil.

The chain and sprockets don't really wear out after only 107,000. Only the chain tensioner and chain guides likely need to be replaced (about $75 in parts). But a whole lot of labor is involved in getting to the tensioner and guides. DIY instructions without removing the cylinder head can be found here: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ingChain.shtml Possibly the trickiest part is reinstalling the timing cover onto the head gasket in a way that won't result in engine oil leaks. I used the Toyota brand FIPG oil pan sealant for this purpose and 60,000 miles later I still don't have any oil leaks.

[focsle]

Thanks for the info. I did pull the pan and unfortunately found some bits and pieces. So The head will have to come off now to be sure. I was hoping for better results, but doesn't look like it now. Grr...

[kathyricks]

Maybe not. If the "bits & pieces" were plastic from broken chain guides then that's no big deal. If the bits & pieces were metal from the chain rubbing on the timing cover then just replace the timing cover (about $50 on ebay). Run a compression test before doing anything. If you get 160-190 PSI on all cylinders then you should not have to remove the head to fix anything.

Two caveats: If the engine was ever overheated into the red zone then the cylinder head may be warped enough to compromise the long term integrity of the head gasket. In that case the head should be removed and resurfaced (trued up) by a machine shop. And if you ever ran the green Prestone coolant for years without changing it then it's possible the aluminum coolant passages in head have partially eroded away (the borates in Prestone green erode and pit aluminum) and compromised the integrity of the head gasket. Using the Toyota Red Long Life Coolant & distilled water avoids this potential problem (or use the Toyota Super Long Life prediluted coolant).

[focsle]

Thanks again, it appears I have both plastic from the guides and also some metal as well. Hard to believe it kept running all this time, amazing.

[focsle]

Just an update, got her back on the road and running just fine. Should get another 100 or so from her now. Thanks.

[mustang67408]

I hope they removed the oil pan and removed the bits and pieces of plastic from the broken timing chain guides. These bits and pieces will eventually plug up the oil strainer and cause major engine damage. Have seen this on just about everyone that was short cutted and the oil pan not removed and cleaned. The churning of oil from the rotation of the crank with break those bits and pieces up into very small pices which will plug the oil pick up screen.

If the "bits & pieces" were plastic from broken chain guides then that's no big deal

I feel that is a big deal and they should be removed and cleaned every time.

If the bits & pieces were metal from the chain rubbing on the timing cover then just replace the timing cover (about $50 on ebay).

This is an excellent idea.

My $.02