Is my timing chain too tight? Got the kit from 22re performance. With just the guides on it has basically no play at all. Truck is a 1995 2wd pickup. Looking for some insight before I put it back together. Edit: ignore the second gear at the bottom. Only slipped it on the crank to see if it was the same size as the new one.

 

You don't specify whether that's a new chain or not. I suspect it IS a new one, however. Given that, remember that it will stretch. Not enough that it's loose, but enough to give a little play. The whole point of the tensioner is to keep the right tension on the chain. Does the tensioner move a little when you apply pressure to the chain? It may well be maxed out, until the chain stretches a little.

As long as the chain isn't sloppy loose, I would think it's OK. Especially as long as the guide and tensioner are all it rubs on. It's what they're for, after all.

Good luck!
Pat☺

 

When I installed a timing chain kit on my 92 22RE, it was tight. I struggled installing the cam gear/chain it was so tight. Almost five years later it's still doing fine. No chain slap when starting the engine.

 

Didn't the kit come with new bolts for the guides? it looks like you reused the ones for the plastic guides.
Not sure how much difference this would make, but I know the shoulder bolts that Toyota used with the plastic guides allowed a little lateral movement once torqued. With the metal ones i believe you set in a specific position and tighten, with no movement once torqued.