I just had my 22re rebuilt at local shop. I did the removal and replace myself and did my best to make sure the parts were quality. The shop guy and I agreed to get a timing chain kit with steel guides...this is an obvious choice for anyone who has ever searched this or any toyota forum. My invoice even says "timing chain kit with steel guides". Well, after the install and driving a few miles I changed the oil, re-set the timing and adjusted the valves.

While doing the valves I looked at my chain guides hoping to see steel. Instead I see black plastic. The question is, is the steel part of steel guides only on the tensioner or are the two guides on either side of the chain supposed to be steel? I assumed the later...but before I go call this guy out I need to make sure I'm not just being an idot. If he screwed me on this part I hate to imagine what else is in my "new" engine.

Thanks for any help....

 

They are usually just Steel Backed Guides still have plastic runners.

 

I installed the engnbldr.com kit and the rails were steel. The attachment portion was silver and the rails were black. Take a closer look if possible. The steel rails are thinner than the plastic ones.

 

Yeah, the more I thought about it I figured steel might actually increase ware on the chain...I'll double check. Thanks...

btw...I had him install an enginbldr cam and it sure is running sweet!

 

X2 on what angrybob said, they are black rubber coated, so they will be black on the chain riding part and back side on the guides, looking at the engine the right side straight guide will be thin steel and black looking from the rubber coating. Where it attaches to the block will be silver color and using shorter bolts.

 

Magnet on a rod will tell you quick enough.