I resently purcashed a 86 4runner and the engine is making some noise. I have look through this forum and it seems to be the timing chain due to the fact that it is making a noise like a diesel. It isnt very loud but it is definatly there. Is there a easy way to check for sure if it is the timing chain and if so how is this done? Apparently the previous owner changed the timing chain around 100,000mi and it is at 179,000 now.

are you sure that "diesel" noise isnt the valves. if the chain was already done i doubt its time again but could be wrong. do youself a favor grab a stethoscope and listen to each valve before you dig in to the motor

a 22r motor is purely mechanical and thus makes lots of noise which is normal. i think fsm states that valves shoudl be re adjusted every 30k

Howdy Ike, welcome to the board! Here's a link from our Toyota section for you: TC R&R

You might also want to check the valve adjustment; .008 and .012, heavy drag. Bent feeler gauges work best. Sometimes the screws get flat spots on them; not expensive nor difficult to swap out.

You can pull the valve cover and look down the drivers side of the timing cover to see if your guide is still in one piece.

If I were you I would go ahead and replace the timing components (get a metal backed guide kit) and adjust your valves. Good excuse to upgrade to a high flow oil pump too.

thanks for the info. so If I do find out that it is the timing chain, which im pretty sure that it is. How hard is this to do? I looked at the write up on changing it and it doesnt seem that bad. I am pretty good with fixing things but I have never really torn into a engine. any advice?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Just go slow, follow the directions, and take your time.

I found it very handy to have a peice of cardboard there about the size of the chain cover that I could poke the bolts through so I'd know what bolt went into which hole (they are different lengths and can cause issues down the line if you don't put them back in the right spot).

Also watch out for the top most bolt in the cover. It screws down through the head into the cover. It lies in a spot that gets filled up with oil, so its easily missed if you still have some oil left over on the head (and you will). When you go to put this bolt back in, make sure the hole is 100% oil free, or you will probably crack the TC cover. Hydraulic pressure is fun! Until you break a part you really needed. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

it's not a hard job at all...a bit time consuming, but not difficult.

here is another great step-by-step write-up on doing the job (by 4crawler).

i suggest getting the kit with the steel-backed driver's side guide from engnbldr.

also, do a search on this forum for +22RE +timing +chain and you will get all kinds of info.

good luck and welcome to 4x4wire. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

stan

Make SURE your engine is at top dead center before you start; this IS an interference engine.

You don't have to remove the water pump or the oil pump to take the cover off; the outer bolts and the one bolt that goes all the way thru need to come off.

Find a beverage box to punch your bolts into as you remove them, as the TC has different length bolts which MUST go back into the same place (unless someone botched it beforehand). This is handy if you're not going to get back to it right away.

The mystery bolt in the pool of oil on top lives under the cam gear. DO NOT overtighten this when you put it back together, or you'll crack the TC cover and be sayin' bad words. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> This happens way too often.

Need a catch basin for your coolant, and about 2 gallons of mixed stuff to put back in. Make sure you turn on the heater, so you can burp all the air out when you're done.
USE DISTILLED WATER FOR YOUR MIX, so you minimize corrosion to your head gasket.

If you DO pull the water pump, use a 1/4" drive socket to put the hardware back on, or you'll snap something off.

Make sure all mating surfaces for gaskets are CLEANCLEANCLEAN. Take your time.

Go to <a href="www.4Crawler.com" target="_blank">4Crawler's</a> website; he has a nice little writeup for changin the TC without taking off the head. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

IF you are missing chunks, clean out the oil pan. Just do it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> Let us know whatcha find, and we'll get you through that too.