I did a search and read about 4 pages worth, but I did not find that "certain noise" to listen for when you need to replace timing chain. Can you guys tell me what to look for? My Runner has about 210k, burns a lil oil, but runs pretty good still. I don't know if it was done before and I want to keep the maintenance up. I've had it for a year and replaced all hoses and filters, NGK plugs, etc. I just put a downey bikini on it, so I'm lovin it.

 

Rattles on start up

Even better is to pull the valve cover and look at the guides if chunks are missing it time for a chain.

 

Some more symtoms. Accelerator lead and lag, and noise in 5th gear.

I found that the throttle response was not timely when I stepped on the gas or let off of it. I think the timing chain slack caused the cam gear and the crank gear to get a little out of sync until the chain tightened up on the drive side.

Also noise in 5th gear when letting off the gas.

If you have 200K on the exisitng chain, it needs to be changed.

My $.02, and good luck with your project.

 

when you hear a noise the first time you start your engine and after a few sec. it will stop , thats your timing chain and your tensioner , it's a bit loose , so in case you change your timing chain i suggest that you also change your tensioner , please correct me if i'm wrong. thanks

 

Thanks guys. I don't seem to rember a noticeable noise when I start the truck, but I will have someone start it for me and I'll listen with the hood open. I wish I knew if it was done before. The other way, is to pull the valve cover? Is that hard to do? I'm not a mechanic, but I dabble with simple stuff. If it's easy, I'll give it a shot.