Hello all,

First of all I want you to know I have been reading everything I can on the 22R motor. Specifically that which pertains to the timing chain and head gasket. I have what seems to be a rather unique problem. I bought a little 85 regular cab 4x4 about 2 weeks ago. that owner said that it ran rough and did not have much power. I was really stoked to have a chance to buy it so I asked him what he wanted for it. He told me he had an offer of $800 and If I would do better than that it would be mine. I offered $850 and went to get the dough. When I looked at it it was running rough. I turned out one of the spark plug wire boots was cut and was arcing to the head so the cylinder was not firing. I turn the boot away from the head and the current flowed through and the truck instantly ran better. I checked the oil and it was dirty but fine ( or so I thought). I got the money and did the transaction. when I went and started it for the first time after I bought it I noticed it was spewing white smoke that had the distinct smell of burning antifreeze. No big deal I got it cheap and the parts are worth more than what I paid. I got it home (2 blocks) and it was smoking like crazy. I did a basic check (pulled the valve cover, oil looked like chocolate milk)and determined that the headgasket had gone. I went about tearing down the engine to remove the head. I sent the head to my buddy who is a turbine tech, so he could clean it and measure it for warpage.The head is not warped. In the meantime I talked to another good buddy who is a mechanic and owns a shop. he told me toyota 22R headgaskets rarely fail. more likely it was a loose timing chain had worn through the timing cover and coolant was leaking in there. this made sense as cyl #1 was steam cleaned from coolant. cly 2 not so much but still cleaned. Cyl 3 not so much and cly4 not at all. So I figured it was the timing cover and went about disassembling that. Since the FSM calls for the head to come of for proper replacement, no worries. well this afternoon I pulled the timing cover and I am stumped. That is why I am posting. The timing cover is in perfect shape. When I pulled the cover off. pieces of the nylon chain guide from the drivers side were all over. all large enough that they got caught above the oil pan. I collected them up and set them aside. that explains the loose timing chain. But where is the coolant coming from??? any Ideas. I was worried that the block may be cracked but the coolant seemed ok and it never gets that cold where I am. I am going to get the head surfaced and tested at the machine shop. Do the valves have to come out on a 22R head to pressure test or surface it? Thank for any help in advance. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Welcome to the board!

Well, you've already got the head off, otherwise I'd say to do a leakdown check, as 2 low pressures next to each other usually point to a bad HG.

Actually HG failure is common, but most typically caused by using tap water to mix the coolant with. Over time, things fail. You'll see a lot of '80's rigs with HG and TC q's here, esp with the mileage too.

Can't tell you off the top of my head about the machining questions, but ask the shop, so you know what to bring them.
Sounds like it's time for a new chain anyway; that one has finally stretched. Engnbldr will be your parts buddy. He's a retired machinist, well-regarded here for Yota parts. May as well get a water pump and t'stat too. The truck is already new-to-you, and you're already weedin' out the good, bad, and ugly! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

You'll want to pull the oil pan off and get the chunks out of there; also a good time to check the piston skirts and cylinder walls while under there. Nice thing is with the solid axle, that'll be an easy task. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> The drain bolt boss stands up too high in the pan to simply flush out debris; you'll see when you drop it. Don't ferget your filter.

That's enough to get ya started anyway. Also check our tech archive here; expand your viewing window in the lower left side for some more techie stuff on this subject.

I agree on the tap water thing and it looks as if it was a problem. I cannot see any obvious leaks in the head gasket. BTW thanks for the welcome it is really nice to post on a board with cool people. I am going to check the chain before I decide to replace it. it seem that it is not very old. I will measure according to the fsm. The water pump is in very good shape. I am a little hesitant to replace good parts as a usually use only OME so it get expensive. I will be pulling the pan for a full inspection