thook

For the past several months I've been monitoring my timing chain status by sound. Ya know what I mean. I haven't actually gotten around to pulling the cover to get a visual with the other vehicle I have requiring attention. But, it has to happen this week. I've been hemming and hawing long enough. Plus, the valves are overdue for adjustment. Actually kinda been waiting to tackle both at the same time.

Anyhow, in the event it's "that time" (and I'm pretty sure it is from the sound of it) the steel back guides are attractive and everyone seems to rave about them. It makes sense they do last longer, but how much longer do they actually last than the standard OEM? Who knows? Who has the kit and how long has it or did it last you?

Reason I ask...
I have found a complete kit including the oil pump for less than Ted's (all due respect, Ted....love your services, man), but it has the plastic guides. I really have to cut some corners on the budget here. It's getting scary.

Thanks

thook

I just called the folks offering the kit w/oil pump to get manufacturer's names.

Timing Cover - "Rock"
Oil pump - "Topline"
Timing kit w/seals and gaskets - "Hasaki"

Anyone know about these manufacturer's? The first two ring a bell. Some of Ted's brands for headbolts and gaskets? The third I've never heard of.

ovrrdrive

Everything Ted sells is simply tits.

If the plastic guides last some folks 300k miles I would expect the steel backed rail to last over a million.

As long as you don't overtorque the tensioner I've never heard anyone have a problem with his stuff...

thook

Yeah, I never have either. I've also never had any problems....and don't expect them.

Wow. I've not heard of anyone having their plastic guides that long. And, I've never personally had them last that long. What must they be doing differently, I wonder?

What do you mean by "tits", though? (I didn't know Ted was in that kind of business ) Or did you mean "kits"?

ewong

My OEM pastic backed guides lasted 200K.

The metal backed guides that I have seen do NOT look like the OEM metal backed guides for the earlier dual row chain...

If you are that worried about the guides - spend the $$$$ for the LC conversion kit.

IMHO - just go with OEM... yer gonna have to tear the thing down again in another 100-200K for rings anyway...

thook

Hmmmm....200k's pretty good.

I don't have the dual row chain, so that's moot. I take it the LC conversion kit is directed at that?

But, how do you know I'm going to have to do the rings in another 100K+ miles anyway? The way my motor is running now, and with the way I take care of it, I personally doubt it. But, I'm certainly open to your opinion.

DaveInDenver

Metal backed guides after 45,000 miles. Yes that's not 400,000, not a million, not even 100K. Corner case, defect? I dunno, the original vendor (it was NOT Engnbldr, BTW) never called me back... I went with genuine Toyota parts (including plastic chain dampers) on the rebuild. I'm OK with replacing the OEM parts every 100K on principle as preventative maintenance.

Kaydon

Tits just means awesome, basically, lol.

dcg9381

Don't fiddle faddle with a part like this, especially over some minor change.
I'd be more concerned about the quality of the chain, but as this is a critical part - and one of the weak links of the motor, why take a chance here.

I don't run the double chain in my motor, but I do run the metal guides.
I bought mine from Ted. He backs his stuff up, as proven time and again through forum feedback and he won't sell things that he thinks are marginal quality.

tedfrk

who is ted and do you have a link to his stuff?sorry i am pretty new here.

ewong

I installed an LC dual row conversion kit at around 200K.

Im a 350K now.

It runs, but it coulduse some new rings - slight smoke at times.

Not enough to say - rebuild time (its not a DD any more) tho.

Look at it this way - when you buy a NEW Toyota you are expecting things to last at least 100K but arent necesarily thinking 250K. So why doe you expect your rebuild parts to last longer than OEM when OEM is over 100k?

ovrrdrive

I mean like, what could be better than tits?

ovrrdrive

Ted is the old guy with his feet up on the rail...

http://www.engnbldr.com/

He posts here as engnbldr too but most of the time if you need him he's over on 4x4 wire...

GenXr

Answer #1: More tits.


Answer #2: Bigger tits.

I can't think of anything better than that.

thook

Zappa's answer - "Titties and BEER"


But, onto more "intelligent" discussion...ehem..

I've read on other threads and heard from other person's who have installed the LC kits that for the money it's not that much better. In fact, from one person in particular....not at all. But, every situation is different. Regardless, I can't afford that little puppy anyway.

I'm not sure if I follow exactly what you're saying in that last paragraph. I believe you're asking "why would I expect a new timing kit to last longer than OEM"?

Good discussion. Anyone else, please feel free to add some input.

Thanks!

navyredneck

My old engine had 127k on the odometer and when I dropped the oil pan I found lots of plastic timing chain guide pieces. Now that odometer might not be correct or maybe someone screwed up a timing chain replacement but I went with a steel guide on my Oregon engine.

Four Runner

You're forgetting Tits and A$S!

..and a solid engine. LMAO!!!

engnbldr

>>>*You guys are killing me here, dang....*LOL**.....*EB

thook

Hey Ted,

I suppose you got my email. Thanks for chiming in....even just for a laugh...and a little T&A humor.

I went ahead and bought the complete front end rebuild kit. I'm gonna do it, but I believe I have a little more time before it actually has to be done. I adjusted my valves the other day and the motor has gotten a lot quieter...especially on start up. Still a little ticking on the #4 intake, but I'm going to take care of that tomorrow. The other thing is my timing chain and guides are all still totally intact. Hard to tell how much wear is on them....couldn't get enough light in there really.

Anyhow, I spoke with Todd the day after I started this thread and ran down my litany of questions and concerns. He set me straight about the subject. Nice guy, too, by the way. So, thanks to you guys for being around on the planet and making the good sh#t!

You guys...make him/them rich!