Los Gatos?

Hey, I pulled everything off the top of the block except the cylinder head. This is the first time I've done mechanical work like this. I was doing very well until I had to line up the timing chain and put the #1 piston at TDC. Problem is, I can't turn the cam crank or anything to get the piston up!!! Does this mean my engine is siezed somewhere in the lower end? Can I remove the cylinder head by just removing the cam crank and not keep the timing? Is there another reason my #1 cylinder needs to be at TDC? (ie if it's not, things will break?) I am changing the timing chain to a metal backed unit, even though the chain LOOKS to be in good condition, it's probably NOT a safe bet w/ 200k+ miles on it, right? The guides look new, but I don't have the timing cover off, so I can only see the tops a little bit, it's probably better to just replace them anyway? If the engine is siezed, that means I have to pull the block and put in new bearings, or is something even more broken? It ran (but squeeeeeeeeled) before I started taking stuff apart, is it fair to say I may need new bearings?

86toyota

First, you don't turn the engine by the cam,you turn it by the crank pully bolt(remove plugs first ,makes it easier).You don't have to pull the head to change the timing chain either, but their is one hidden bolt right in front of the cam gear(usually in a pool of oil), and two bolts in the front of the oil pan you have to remove.At least get the timing cover off first.

Los Gatos?

okay I will try all this. I already found the 3 bolts, but thanks!

Gadget

While you are in there be sure to change the timing chain since you have certainly ruined it by trying to turn the engine with it.

Gadget

cubuff4runner

[QUOTE=86toyota]You don't have to pull the head to change the timing chain either, QUOTE]

Depending on how many miles the engine has and how steady and careful of a hand you have, the timing chain cover goes under the head and head gasket on the 22r. If your gasket has been there for a while good luck pulling the cover without doing any damage to the head gasket.

Los Gatos?

The only reason I tried turning the engine with the timing chain is because I am replacing it. To quote myself "I am changing the timing chain to a metal backed unit, even though the chain LOOKS to be in good condition, it's probably NOT a safe bet w/ 200k+ miles on it, right?" .... so thanks for the advice, but I have that covered, Gadget.

cubuff4runner

It's hard to tell if a timing chain is bad by just looking at it, at least with the ones that I have seen. The chain stretches, so if it is bad there will be alot of play or slack in it. Also look at the gears to see if the teeth are bending in one direction.

Los Gatos?

There is no slack/play in it that I can tell, it seems tight, the teeth do not appear to be bent at all, either, I'm changing it either way, so it doesn't matter that much