Hi all,

My timing chain cover on my '85 4Runner is showing signs of leakage. The motor has 120,000 and I have no proof that the timing chain was ever replaced so I figured I should just do it and get it over with. It kind of sucks because I was just about to spend my money on a full exhaust system to actually get some power of the 22RE.

I'm looking for a time estimate (mechanic shop, not DIY) so I can compare what shops will charge. I have all the parts (bought metal guides, water pump, heavy duty chain and all gaskets, gears) but there's no way I'm doing this myself.

I've heard that the Toyota dealerships charge a flat rate for replacing a timing chain/belt but I"m not sure on this. I'm also unsure of taking it to my local mechanic as he has never done a timing chain on a 22RE because he seems to think it could take over 5 hours with his inexperience on these engines.

Basically, what is a general time estimate and is this something better left to a Toyota dealership so I have some accountability and confidence that it's done right?

Thanks in advance,

Justin

 

They will tell you that it takes 13 hrs. to do, but that's because they base it on removing the head and oil pan. You're looking at over $1000. It took me and a friend 5 hrs. We didn't rush. No reason to. We didn't remove the head or the oil pan, either.

There's a real detailed write up of how to do the 22re w/out removing the head and oil pan. I would recommend doing it that way if you can. I'll try to find the link and post it. I know you don't want to do it yourself, but if you have a good friend or trustworthy mechanic, just give them the info that's in the link. They'll be able to do it with no problems if they know what they're doing in the first place.

I would recommend changing it VERY soon if you're starting to leak. The 22re's are interference engines, which means, if the chain breaks, you have worse problems than just a chain replacement, i.e. pistons, vavles, etc. It doesn't mess everything up everytime, but that's rare. I changed mine at 119K and plan on doing it every 100K miles, unless I notice problems earlier. I bought the $150 timing chain/gear kit from Toyota. Well worth the money and I haven't had any problems.

 

Here's one of the links:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ingChain.shtml

You can pretty much take any guidance from Roger to the bank. He's one helluva smart guy and very helpful. He's on this forum quite a bit, but you can best reach him through his website if you have any questions.

 

Tiger,

I've seen both the write ups (4x4 wire and Roger's) but I'm not sure if my mechanic (or any mechanic) will actually use these for liability reasons.

What do you think about taking it to a Toyota dealer? I know it's blasphemy on these boards but I figured I'd ask. I remember seeing a sign in their service shop saying 'Timing Chain (or belt): $250' where they list prices for their repairs, although it seems very low priced.

Justin

 

I see your point with the liability thing. You never know what might happen.

If your service dept. only charges $250 for a timing chain replacement, I'd jump on it. Then again, I'd ask some questions first. That is an EXTREMELY low price quote for a chain replacement. It's not out of the question for a belt replacement, though.