I have always wondered exactly what the infamous timing chain rattle sounds like. I just might have a first hand chance to find out.

Last year I bought an 88 Runner but really haven't done much to it.It has 140,000 + miles on it. I am sending it in for some body work( CJs qtrs) and plan on doing the timing chain when I get it back. I don't know much of the maintenance history on this truck which runs quiet for the most part and runs strong.

The rattle I heard the other day sounded very much like a can of spray paint when you shake it. It was a little louder and faster when i gave it a little gas.

Like I said I plan on doing the timing chain as soon as I get it back from the body shop and won't be doing much driving in between. I just want to be familiar with this sound in case I have to diagnose it in the future on another vehicle.

Thanks!!

Jim

You just described it. Usually happens somewhere around the 100,000 mile mark, depending on the driver of course.