Timing Chain?
#1
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Timing Chain?
Hi all,
I've owned a Jeep for a while now and I need to sell it because it always has too many problems. I decided I wanted to get a Toyota truck for less maintenance. I found a '93 4x4 with a 22RE with 150,000 miles for $3200 and took it into the shop today before I decided to buy it. Everything on it was fine, except that the mechanics said they thought the timing chain might need replacing.
When I first drove it it made a rattling noise when I pushed the clutch in to change gears. I thought it might be a loose bolt somewhere on the front underguard so I didn't pay much attention. Sure enough, when the mechanic was showing the problem under the hood when he pressed on the throttle it makes a rattling noise somewhere in the front of the engine when he let go of the throttle. That's the only time you can hear a rattle.
I'm a little unsure though because the guy who's selling the car said the guy he bought the car from replaced the timing chain 12k miles ago. Also, the mechanics said they couldn't be sure that it was the timing chain because they couldn't hear it (all 3 mechanics) when they put a stethoscope to the side of the chain housing. Also, I did some research and the information I found on timing chain problems was that the sound was constant, or especially noticeable when the car was starting up.
Can someone with experience help me out on this please? I'm desperate for a car since I need a working one in less than 3 weeks.
Thanks
I've owned a Jeep for a while now and I need to sell it because it always has too many problems. I decided I wanted to get a Toyota truck for less maintenance. I found a '93 4x4 with a 22RE with 150,000 miles for $3200 and took it into the shop today before I decided to buy it. Everything on it was fine, except that the mechanics said they thought the timing chain might need replacing.
When I first drove it it made a rattling noise when I pushed the clutch in to change gears. I thought it might be a loose bolt somewhere on the front underguard so I didn't pay much attention. Sure enough, when the mechanic was showing the problem under the hood when he pressed on the throttle it makes a rattling noise somewhere in the front of the engine when he let go of the throttle. That's the only time you can hear a rattle.
I'm a little unsure though because the guy who's selling the car said the guy he bought the car from replaced the timing chain 12k miles ago. Also, the mechanics said they couldn't be sure that it was the timing chain because they couldn't hear it (all 3 mechanics) when they put a stethoscope to the side of the chain housing. Also, I did some research and the information I found on timing chain problems was that the sound was constant, or especially noticeable when the car was starting up.
Can someone with experience help me out on this please? I'm desperate for a car since I need a working one in less than 3 weeks.
Thanks
#2
if he replaced it 12k miles ago, he could have done it wrong and the guides are broken again.
Only way to be 100% is to remove the valve cover and inspect the guides.
Does it do it after complete warm up? If the tensioner is overtightened, it will stick, also causing a loose chain condition and said rattle.
Only way to be 100% is to remove the valve cover and inspect the guides.
Does it do it after complete warm up? If the tensioner is overtightened, it will stick, also causing a loose chain condition and said rattle.
#4
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I agree you'd have to pull the cover to be sure... but when those guides break down they tend to rattle all about and allow for slack in the chain which adds to the clamor.
Good news is if it is caught early you'd probably only be looking at a new chain and guides, which is pretty cheap if you do the labor yourself.
Good news is if it is caught early you'd probably only be looking at a new chain and guides, which is pretty cheap if you do the labor yourself.
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It could very well be the timing chain or the guides but it may not necessarily need replacing. Especially if it has the steel rail kit. The non Toyota chains and the steel guides seem to be a little noisier than the stock set up. At least that's my opinion. Others may disagree.
Either way, the only way to tell is to pull the rocker cover and look. It's easy enough to do.
Either way, the only way to tell is to pull the rocker cover and look. It's easy enough to do.
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That's the problem... I can't take the valve cover off. I don't own the car. Someone mentioned that steel guides might be a little noisier. The guy who's selling it said the person put a heavy duty kit on it after the stock on went out. Maybe that's what the deal is, but it wouldn't it still suggest a loose chain?
#11
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That's the problem... I can't take the valve cover off. I don't own the car. Someone mentioned that steel guides might be a little noisier. The guy who's selling it said the person put a heavy duty kit on it after the stock on went out. Maybe that's what the deal is, but it wouldn't it still suggest a loose chain?
Last edited by MMA_Alex; 04-26-2007 at 09:52 AM.
#12
The last time I had my timing chain replaced by a mechanic... It ended up under the car cover for several weeks because the mechanic broke something and promised me that he is going to fix it without any charge for the broken part and the replacement of the chain.. Just want to warn you to be careful in choosing a mechanic that will do that job for you... Good luck!!!
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That's the problem... I can't take the valve cover off. I don't own the car. Someone mentioned that steel guides might be a little noisier. The guy who's selling it said the person put a heavy duty kit on it after the stock on went out. Maybe that's what the deal is, but it wouldn't it still suggest a loose chain?
#14
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It could very well be the timing chain or the guides but it may not necessarily need replacing. Especially if it has the steel rail kit. The non Toyota chains and the steel guides seem to be a little noisier than the stock set up. At least that's my opinion. Others may disagree.
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