2.7L's have a 'lifelong' timing chain, correct?

Folks,

Im getting ready to do the timing belt on my girlfriend's Accord and it got me thinking about my truck. I think I have read here that our 2.7L's have a lifelong/non-serviceable timing belt. I have 188,000 miles on my motor. By all indications, she runs fine. However, I was perusing Rock Auto and they do have a timing belt kit available for the 2.7L.

Is this someting that I should think about or take the OEM's word for it?

 

My understanding is that the 2.7 has a timing chain that is good for a very long time. If the oil has been changed regularly in the past (I use synthetic), you should still be fine.

 

Sorry, you're correct - I meant to say timing chain. I kinda want to do it as an excuse to tear into my motor.

Im not sure about its early years, but since I've had it, the motor has gotten Mobil 5-30 every 3-5K miles.

 

I think originally, yes it was supposed to be a lifetime part. But Toyota grossly underestimated the 3RZ's longevity and some engines have been ticking along for so long that they have managed to wear through the guides for the chain. So you really would only need to do the guides, but it's one of those "since you're already in there" situations you might as well replace the chain too for peace at mind. IIRC it is an interference engine unlike the 5VZ so if that chain jumps timing you're fucked.

 

What about the 2.4, is it any better on chains?

 

x2 regarding what MowTaco wrote

Unless you hear some noise from the timing chain area of the engine, I wouldn't be too concerned yet. Maybe others on this list could give additional opinions on this.

In MOST vehicles I have had with timing chains, the original chain was good for 250k+ miles.

I had an 87 toyota pickup and it was making quite a racket...you could hear the "chain slap"....the guides needed replacement, so it made sense to put in a new chain at that point also.

the 2.4 would be similar to the 2.7 regarding the timing chains. I have a 2.4 in my taco.

 

The 2.4 and 2.7 are essentially identical, 2.7 just has a longer stroke. So I'd think they have very similar tendencies for wearing stuff out.

 

what's your source on it being an interference engine?

the gates belt website say it isn't but yotashop.com says it is. the general consensus is that toyota chain driven engines are interference while belt driven aren't, but their isn't any certainty with regards to the 3rz-fe

 

My source is just remembering a few discussions on it and reaching the general consensus that you stated... Toyota uses chains if it'd be catastrophic for it to fail

 

Realize this is an old thread but if anyone can explain the sound of the timing chain "slapping" or when you would most notice that sound? I have original chain and guides going on 383,000 miles. I hear a slight higher pitched vibration sound at high rpm but nothing loud or noticeable

 

Whoa! 383K Miles! I have the same engine you do, with "only" 205K miles. It's been running like a new engine ever since I inherited it at 61K but are there issues you've run into I should be aware of as the miles build?

Done all regular maintenance, no suspension work yet.

 

Timing chain has hydraulic tensioner of quite long stroke. It would take a lot to stretch the chain beyond the tensioner stroke. When I did the head gasket around 302 miles I inspected the chain, the tensioner and the part the tensioner is pushing the chain. From my observation it was still good for a million miles or so. I changed oil (dino oil) every 5k miles (that was about 3-4 months while I was using my truck for my work commute). So I guess if you run a truck on sludge then you may need to replace tensioner, but I think it still be the last thing to go.

Regarding the chain I've been taught to check the chain by checking how much it can lean sideways. After 300+ miles the chain was still with very little sideways movement. That is very good I recon.

 

The timing chain guides and tensioner were perfect on my 2.7 when I pulled the head at 325k. They were no longer perfect after I forgot to tighten the cam gear bolt and snapped the chain. All my valves were still fine after snapping the chain so it doesn't appear the 2.7 has any interference with pistons and valves

 

Sometimes you get lucky. Both the 2.4 and 2.7 are interference engines.


The chains will last a long time, they have a lot of self adjustment. I wouldn't take apart the engine just to look at it without some indication there is a problem.

 

Sorry to revive an old thread. I’ve got a 2009 2.7l, I’m assuming the chain standards are the same as the first gens? That being a “lifetime” chain. Mines only got 107k on it. Thanks guys!

 

I have 150k something on my 2003...until i hear it get noisy i will leave her alone...

 

Leave it alone unless there is an issue.

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

Yikes , I got 331K on my 2.7 Runs like New .

 

Hi all.
I realize this is an old thread, but can someone tell me what it might cost to have the chain and tensioner replaced by an independent mechanic shop (i.e. not a dealership). This would be a useful piece of information to file away for future reference.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.