Notices
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DashLynx

driving with a rattly timing chain

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-27-2007, 10:50 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
isaac338's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Halifax, NS, Canada
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
driving with a rattly timing chain

We're supposed to head out on a 1000km round trip 3-day road trip on Monday morning (on a whim) and I'm scrambling to get a vehicle that's reliable and legal enough to make it. The Civic needs a windsheild and MVI and the pickup needs new rear brakes to pass MVI, so onto the 4runner:

I have a timing chain rattle on startup. It happens on near every start, for about 1-2 seconds, presumably until oil pressure has built enough to activate the tensioner. I know this means wear and that a timing chain kit is needed soon. Is it likely the chain is going to snap and cause ridiculous engine damage on this trip or is that not a concern till the chain's rattling constantly?

Other than the startup rattle the runner runs well.

Any advice?

Thanks.
Old 07-27-2007, 11:02 AM
  #2  
Registered User
 
rdlsz24's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Northern IL
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Many 22RE's timing chains rattle at startup. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Rob
Old 07-27-2007, 12:02 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
stock87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Placerville, CA
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Pop the valve cover off and shine a flashlight down the drivers side of the timing chain. If the guide is still there, but just slapping around, you'll probably be OK. If it's long gone and there are deep grooves worn in the timing cover, I'm not sure I'd risk it.

Me personally, I R&Red the whole timing chain setup when the original plastic guide finally broke at 175k.
Old 07-27-2007, 12:41 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
norcalsvx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: GRASS valley, CA
Posts: 2,122
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
when i bought my truck the timing chain had been rattling around for over a year
Old 07-27-2007, 01:53 PM
  #5  
Contributing Member
iTrader: (1)
 
TORTIS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: shreveport, La
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree with stock87. That is not a roadside repair I would want to make.
Old 07-27-2007, 04:03 PM
  #6  
Contributing Member
 
Tacotex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 213
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
I remember breaking a chain on an 18RC about 27 years ago-had to hunt down a timing cover too...
Old 07-28-2007, 12:31 AM
  #7  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
isaac338's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Halifax, NS, Canada
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I plan on pulling the valve cover on Sunday to check out the guides. If they're sound I'm probably just gonna roll with it. Hopefully she'll hold
Old 07-28-2007, 07:43 AM
  #8  
Registered User
 
toyotatom93's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ditchmond BC
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
When I bought my truck it had the start up rattle as well, still does. And I have gone on a few far trips and many trails. I plan on fixing it soon, but I dont worry that much about it as it seems to happen to a lot of people.
Old 07-28-2007, 09:17 AM
  #9  
Registered User
 
thook's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: NW Ark on wooded ten acres...Ozarks at large!
Posts: 8,656
Received 15 Likes on 13 Posts
Interestingly, I had timing chain rattle on start up that went almost completely away when I adjusted the valves.

When you pull your valve cover, you might consider that....if the timing chain is actually okay. Chances, since you only hear it on start up, it's probably fine.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fasterspider
84-85 Trucks & 4Runners
15
10-06-2015 10:24 AM
Ichneumon
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
6
09-27-2015 04:21 PM
Badger62811
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners (Build-Up Section)
0
06-26-2015 09:26 PM
paxanders
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners (Build-Up Section)
3
06-21-2015 06:29 AM



Quick Reply: driving with a rattly timing chain



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:36 AM.