We're supposed to head out on a 1000km round trip 3-day road trip on Monday morning (on a whim) and I'm scrambling to get a vehicle that's reliable and legal enough to make it. The Civic needs a windsheild and MVI and the pickup needs new rear brakes to pass MVI, so onto the 4runner:

I have a timing chain rattle on startup. It happens on near every start, for about 1-2 seconds, presumably until oil pressure has built enough to activate the tensioner. I know this means wear and that a timing chain kit is needed soon. Is it likely the chain is going to snap and cause ridiculous engine damage on this trip or is that not a concern till the chain's rattling constantly?

Other than the startup rattle the runner runs well.

Any advice?

Thanks.

 

Many 22RE's timing chains rattle at startup. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Rob

 

Pop the valve cover off and shine a flashlight down the drivers side of the timing chain. If the guide is still there, but just slapping around, you'll probably be OK. If it's long gone and there are deep grooves worn in the timing cover, I'm not sure I'd risk it.

Me personally, I R&Red the whole timing chain setup when the original plastic guide finally broke at 175k.

 

when i bought my truck the timing chain had been rattling around for over a year

 

I agree with stock87. That is not a roadside repair I would want to make.

 

I remember breaking a chain on an 18RC about 27 years ago-had to hunt down a timing cover too...

 

I plan on pulling the valve cover on Sunday to check out the guides. If they're sound I'm probably just gonna roll with it. Hopefully she'll hold

 

When I bought my truck it had the start up rattle as well, still does. And I have gone on a few far trips and many trails. I plan on fixing it soon, but I dont worry that much about it as it seems to happen to a lot of people.

 

Interestingly, I had timing chain rattle on start up that went almost completely away when I adjusted the valves.

When you pull your valve cover, you might consider that....if the timing chain is actually okay. Chances, since you only hear it on start up, it's probably fine.