When I say terrible that is exactly what I mean... The worst case scenario. All this time I thought it was the front seal (which I replaced twice) or the oil pan gasket. Turns out it is leaking right wit the bottom of. The timing cover between the block. It's a 22re BTW on a 88 4runner. So, I hear this involves removing the manifolds, head, sump, cross member, etc to replace it. And then to do it right, it require special machining? This is why cheap rebuilds (like mine) always leak. If I had $1800, I'd put a new rebuilt from Pacific a Machine in Washington. I hear good things from people I know who personally got one from there. But I don't have the $ right now.

Any way, I won't to know if there is a simple fix to get my rig going for another 6 months to a year? No can't drive it as is Asa the left side is oil saturated and it pulls to the left bad. (No right brake). I tried JB weld but that came right off.

What would you guys do in this case?

 

Following proper timing chain/cover remove and replace procedure is always recommended but you can remove and re-seal the cover without removing the cylinder head or the pan.

Removing all the fasteners/bolts from the timing cover you can just slide it out from the front of the engine.

 

Well, the engine that I put in it is a rebuild and not a very good one. It was supposed to have had only 10k miles on it. But I think it is more than that. Oh, well. I got 4 good years out of it. But it was never "OEM" to begin with.

I heard there are two bolts you can't get to under the head. Have you done it before without removing the head? Is there a link? So I could really just buy a timing cover kit, new chain and gaskets and do it without removing the head? What is the beast sealant to use?

 

There are no bolts that you "can't" get to. But absolutely you can service the timing chain/cover without removal of cylinder head and oil pan.

I have done it many many times.

Searching timing chain on YotaTech will more than likely provide at least one detailed repair on this matter if your looking for pictures and procedures. I always either use ultra grey or OEM Toyota sealant.

 

Thanks, that is what I'll do. It's not worth taking off the head on that engine. This will give me time to save up for another one. May I ask what parts will I need? Or specifically, which brand name is good? ( I really don't want to go with OEM for a rebuild.)

 

There is one bolt under the cam sprocket that you must take out. It will be covered in oil but it's there. Remove the four pan bolts at the front and loosen the other pan bolts a little and the cover should slide forward. Good luck!