I swore I read that 81 22r's had a single row chain and a plastic guide...mine is double and metal. Also, the top of my pistons have a raised rim with a recess in the center, like a pool. Anyone familiar with this setup? Oh, it's a california model, if that makes a difference. I'll post pics as soon as I figure out how. The question now, do I slap the head gasket on dry, or do I put a bead of head gasket sealant around the rim?

 

If I recall right the 22r had dual row chains till 82.

 

81 should have been the last year with dual row chains, IIRC.

The piston tops sound right.

This is out of a -'90s 22re:

 

81 has a dual row timing chain with metal guides, yes use a small bead of great stuff of orange high temp gasket maker on each side of the gasket, finger tighten the bolts till the gasket maker slightly pushes out the sides them stop and let it sit for an hour or more, them go back and torque the bolts down in a 3 stage crisscross pattern. Hope this helps

 

Mine are slightly different...but that dual row chain makes me happier than a 12 point buck in a bulletproof vest!

 

my 82 is dual row with those pistons.^

 

Head gasket goes on dry! with the exception of two small beads where the timing cover/block/head intersect. Again, the head gasket goes on dry!!! Everything else sounds right.

1stgenboy

 

Don't do this to the gasket, you will never get it to seal...

This is the correct information...

 

Please note that Supra head gaskets are known for leaking (the stock ones) and most builders use metal gaskets to replace the stock ones. They all claim the most important factor is preventing future failures is to clean head and block surfaces really well and if possible have the surfaces honed or finished to a particular size grit. I forget the exact # but 30 seems to be the number but this is not 30 grit as in sandpaper but rather a machinist #. I can look this up if anyone wishes, or you can find the info at "supramania". I realize these are different engines, but the same principle should apply. Also, any performance engine should always recieve new head bolts or studs, best IMHO are ARP brand.

 

If anything you can spray them with a light coat of Permatex Copper but most are meant to go on dry.