2005 Tacoma Timing Chain Replacement 2.7

Well.. I'm a silly-illy-idiot.. two 12mm bolts hiding behind the rear water housing? two nuts were removed and I thought that was all back there, but as soon as I moved the black water housing off of the nuts, I was able to see two bolts facing backwards threaded into the cover.. then she cam right off. What a relief, I was contemplating buying my old chevy back..

Thanks Fordless for your help through this..

 

The bottom chain seems really loose too. You can move it from side to side pretty good too. There doesnt seem to be a gasket on here either which surprises me. Just a small rail of RTV. I know this came from the factory and another interesting thing I found was that around where the leak was coming from, the alluminum was really dinged up on the edges. like it was drug down the road and scraped on the pavement on the inside edge of the cover. really weird. ill post some more pictures tomorrow. Now I am trying to buld a list of what I need. i know a timing chain kit.. NO GASKET FOR THE COVER? Weird none on there. almost like it was planned to leak. and the amount of RTV is pathetically close to none on there. just a little rail..

 

Please see attached two bolts hiding in the back

 

Duck - how's the project going?

 

I hope you replacing all the o-rings seen on the picture and one that goes between oil pump and oil pan

 

I was halfway expecting this..

I thought I won. but i didnt win. when going to the dealer to get the tool that turns and lowers the spare tire, they quoted me $130. they said its a three piece unit. my chin hit the floor and i suddenly resented owning a toyota. So I thought I was sly and have been planning to make that spare tire lowering bar on my own. I thought I got em... I thought I had
them.. they tried to get me on that part but im too smart. But they got me.. They got me bad.. Too-Shay Toyota. Two points for Toyota. Unless I can find a way to get around this..

After having my parts guy at baxters look high and low, he found a timing chain kit from one of his specialty companie distributors. Napa told me they couldnt help, Autozone guy scratched his head and said no timing chain kit in his system.. so i ordered the Timing chain kit from an aftermarket company by engine pro. That part seems ok, for $209, got chains, tensioners, guides and a few other things. Perfect.. Good price, Got my folder of parts I needed and have been diligently rounding up everything I need. Been using my pages that I printed out from my Factory service manual got my nifty folder, everything going good. Today my timing chain parts came in. all is going well so i thought.

I pulled my oil pump gears out a few days ago to find they were scarred and the brass part of the gear was a bit loose on the crank shaft. So i took it into Baxters, auto where I ordered my timing chain kit.

This is where I started realizing they got me. Baxters couldnt find any source to get new gears. he told me to give him a day and he will figure things out.. This morning, He called and said no-go. Must be dealer only part.

and When I went to the dealer today, I was half way expecting this because of the spare tire tool quote..

Ready?::::: They dont sell the gears separately... I have to buy THE WHOLE TIMING COVER WITH WATER PUMP. quoted me $815 even though mine is fine and ready to put back. happy happy joy joy happyhappyhappy.. I told the awesome gal Diana (who was awesome) very helpful that I would rather rent a gun and buy a bullet.

So tomorrow I will take pictures and post some real stuff on here, and go to a few engine shops and see if there is any chance in finding some machinist that can duplicate my oil pump gears? Am I in denial again?? seems to happen often lately.

TOYOTA IS CRIMINALS. But i knew that. Was going to be a consumer rights activist at one point in my life. I knew better. shame on me.
I think I will find a cover on the internet for 500 dollar range i bet. We will see.

Thanks for reading. I will edit tomorrow and put some actual useful stuff in here when I am not in post tramatic shock mode.

Thank you for your support.

Rick

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Timi...Parts_Accessories&hash=item20f1e1601d&vxp=mtr
There u go Rick...Always an alternative when you have the interwebs

 

Bad news man, I've been following this thread. If you wanted the tool to lower the spare tire you should have PM'd me, I will ship you mine as I do not use it anymore.

 

You can do it! Toyota is not winning because you has TW. Thanks for all the pics. I may need to do this in another 100k or so. Had every seal, head gasket, timing cover and pwr steering rack leak on my 05 but luckily I had powertrain warranty to cover it. Haven't had those issues on the 08 and no warranty to cover it at this point so I am living on the edge hoping for the best.............

 

THANKS FORDLESS!!!! and thanks Large and taco_PR3runner! you're right about toyota not winning.. It really is a TRIBE and is really starting to feel like one.. It seems like there is a lot of aspects to these trucks and when so many people go out and buy them, and the warranty runs out... Well... that's where the fun starts.. Makes you feel like a charactor from maybe "Running Man".. Long time since I seen that movie, but i think I remember them having to fend for themselves with danger coming from all directions.. Maybe extreme example, but you get the point.

It's not a lot different than the DELL LAPTOP BATTERY SCAM. DELL started installing EEPROM chips in the batteries of their laptops that turned the battery's literally OFF after about a year, or more specifically after 500 reboots.. (Unplug and replug your ac adapter to your computer and it counts as a reboot.) When people started taking their laptop batteries apart, and finding these mysterious chips in them, they wanted to know what the hell they were.. DELL's response was that it was "a chip that counts the battery's 'Max Recharge Cycle'." They went further to define that term as: "The maximum number of times the battery can be charged in order for a device to work." DELL then decided to use the excuse that they had to build safety into the batteries because of some of their battery's that were supposedly catching fire. After some time of experimenting with the chips people figured out that you can Reprogram the EEPROM and reset the chip which would turn the batteries back on. But these EEPROM Re-programmers can be costly. I bought this DELL Inspiron I'm on right now on sale and after 5 months battery turned off. Called Dell to purchase a replacement battery and they quoted me $180 bucks. So I have always had to plug it in. If you want an extended warranty on the battery, it's only an option you can purchase when they have possession of it. Can't order extended two year warranty on battery unless they are able to re-program the chip before it leaves their factory. Down the road most of the laptop manufacturer's started doing the same thing. People talked about these chips on web sites and coincidentally checking back years later most of the old posts have been deleted. Dell still will avoid talking about it and seem to silence anyone posting anything regarding it.. Attempts to talk about this on their website will find you up against a Dell employee who will change the subject into a debate about lithium vs Nimh battery discharge rates, and then demonize you and insult you for disrespecting DELL their employer.

But I digress...

What seems to be going on here in regards to our trucks, is the 2TFRE seems to be designed the same way, but in the name of: cutting assembly costs, Reducing "engine noise", and lower emissions.. Sure it produces more horse power, has a 32 bit computer (instead of 16) but most of the new design justification they say are because of those three areas I mentioned.
Why would we as Toyota owners really care about having a "lighter timing chain" because it doesn't make as much "noise" as the heavier chains..
Is a plastic Intake manifold really an "improvement". No. They're liars.

This quote is from the AEI Tech Briefs Power Train Bulding blocks from February of 2005:

"The Toyota 2TR-FE engine’s front cover
casting incorporates mounts for the
alternator, power steering pump, oil pump,
water pump, and thermostat for simplified
assembly and reduced noise."

"Thinner valve stems, hollow
camshafts, softer valve
springs, and low-friction roller
cam followers reduce strain
in the valvetrain, permitting
a lightweight cam chain that
produces less noise."

"Dual counter-rotating balance shafts reside
in the 2TR-FE’s iron block with a new quieter
drive system."

I will attach the article in a PDF...
Nothing ground-breaking here, but anyone with the ability to reason logically
can easily see through the intended propaganda that equates
to big bucks for them, or... someone that wants to get in on the niche market
of selling timing covers for 2TRFE's. $40 dollars plus shipping on Alibaba. Profit
margin is huge. Do the math.. There's my get rich quick idea for anyone with some working capital.

Timing Cover for 2TRFE - Mainland China $40 each
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Brand-New-TOYOTA-Timing-Cover-for_1350877776.html

Timing Chain Kit for 2TRFE - mainland china: $5 each
http://uk.alibaba.com/product/60114278513-High-quality-Car-Engine-Timing-Chain.html


When I pulled off MY timing cover that was leaking profusely, I was flaber-gasted at the miniscule amount of RTV applied and the absence of any gasket present.. I purchased a gasket set from FELPRO (TCS 46006) that includes really nice gaskets that I WILL BE USING when she goes back together. (I will list all these parts in a later post. )

Anyway, FORDLESS's EBAY listing is the best price of anything out there for a timing cover for the 2TFRE. I ordered it and should be showing up in a week.. I feel fortunate because I can't find that price anywhere else..

Baxter's quoted me $450 for the timing cover with an awesome discount to me.. Knecht's quoted me $615.. Dealer as I said wasa $815..

I went to see Dean over at LindVigs machine shop today and he said that he thinks he can get ahold of some oil pump gears or have them made.. He said he thinks mellings will carry them. I checked Melling's and the only thing they seem to carry is one timing chain tensioner.

It's a bummer down the road if anyone needs to replace their oil pump gears and there are still no options for them and there isnt a beautiful $152 Ebay option like FORDLESS found me.. Seems important that someone find a way to re-make these. I would imagine that someone does, I just have yet to find them.. I think the more time that goes by and the more 2TFRE's that wear out, the more options we will see people create..

Cheers,

Rick

 

Never noticed any less noise from a single roller timing chain in later 22Rs vs. good ole double roller one in my earlier 22R. Only a worn tensioner and/or guides made them make noise. I think I actually did wear out a tensioner.............once at over 500k miles. I think the main reason to have single would just be for less rotational weight stuff going on in the engine for mpg maybe. Less noise, who cares? Still likin the single chain over a damn belt anyday tho.

 

OK not trying to hijack this thread BUT for all of you that will have to replace your spare tire lowering tool thingy here's what I did. And BTW, all of you will replace yours eventually.

I can't recall the socket size (deep socket not regular) cause I'm not at home but a deep socket will fit PERFECTLY (even a little tight) over the piece that actually lowers the tire (the piece with the hook shaped end). Then add 31" of 3/8" extensions to a ratchet, breaker bar (I use this) or speed handle and BOOM you're there for A TON LESS (at least 1/2 depending on the manufacturer) and you'll have a MUCH better tool. And all of this will fit into the vinyl case that your spare tire lowering tool thingy came in from Toyota. No more cheap extensions made out of pot metal and no more little screws that don't work.

 

1) I appreciate what you are attempting and the nice write up you are giving.

2) sometimes engineering choices for 'simplicity' are made in the name of cost cutting. We've all seen it in most mortal-affordable marquees if we do much wrench spinning. Something stupid hard to access, something 'sealed' not to be repaired, but replaced, etc etc.

I feel your frustration. Really. And I am not 'defending' Toyota here, but........

In your opening post you said ' Ive known that even though my truck has 240,000+ miles it doesnt blow smoke yet.. '

Please keep in mind that it wasn't long ago that motors had to be fully rebuilt by 100k. It's only in the 'modern age' of machining and lubricant changes that 200k vehicles are more common.

You don't mention, but if this is your first major driveline expense, and you are able to pull it off yourself, you have done quite well. Consider that the average 90k timing belt job (including all touched ancillaries) runs in the $1k range at an independent shop (more at a dealer), and that's preventative work, not a repair. You would be approaching your 3 preventative in that case.

If you consider the TCO on the life of the truck, I daresay you are still in 'cheap' compared to most folks.

Again, doesn't mean some different parts availability wouldn't be good! Just that you could be thankful that those parts aren't often needed!

Keep up the good work, and I wish you great success in getting this refurbished!!

 

Good points you make and I actually agree with you. If had I taken this to the dealer to get fixed it would be safe to say that the cost would be up in the $2500 dollar range given the Oil Pump, I.E. Timing cover needs to be replaced. I believe I am the cause of the timing chain loosening up because I have beat this truck like no one could imagine. I don't believe I caused the timing cover to leak, but I have jumped this truck and probably am in the top 95% percentile of serious truck abusers.. Which is why I choose to fix these things myself.

I don't want to be the "Negative Nancy" on this site bashing everything about this truck. Toyota's are clearly not the only vehicles that are designed to fail and there is a lot of blame to go around here in regards to criminal activity i.e. loyal customer abuse. The Chevy's that I miss so much, intentionally stopped matching their pistons to their cylinders from 1999 to 2003. This caused the pistons to "Slap" in the cylinders in most of their trucks in those years. Chevy also designed, and continues to design their Power Steering systems to fail on most of their trucks and SUV's over the years, and every one has seen even the brand new 2014 Chevy trucks rolling around with one side of the day- time parking lights out. I remember my 1997 chevy pickup where my fuel sending unit went out and I had to replace my fuel pump as well and I want to say that cost me $800 dollars back in the day just for the part.

I would say however that I did expect my first Toyota (This one) to be a little more tough than what it is. I could bitch all day long about the tail gate folding, or the crush washer literally holding the axle shaft in, or my kick stand wearing a hole in my plastic bed. I could whine about the head light assemblies mounting to the grill as well as the fender, and I could whine about my leaf springs bending the wrong direction,but you know what?

This truck has actually given me a lot of joy. And Honestly you know my favorite feature about my Toyota? THE SEATS. I have back issues and these seats are so awesome I could drive across the country and never does my back hurt. No other vehicle has had seats that I could ride in for a long time. And I will say this Toyota has dominated the beach and dunes and got me where no full-size heavy duty truck could have got me.

The motor actually is very powerful for a four cylinder and I agree that 240,000 is good for a motor that I have railed more than anyone would rail their daily driver. And even when I'm pulling this motor a part, I have decided NOT to pull the rings out and change them. My rear end has stayed tight, my transmission is still solid and most of my mechanical components are still working great. It's actually a miracle that I have not had to do more to my truck for how I have treated it. My other favorite feature of this truck is the plethora of space behind my seat. This is the reason I have not gone back to a pre-1992 Chevy. The Truck is comfortable.

I didn't expect my first Toyota to be able to pull a normal trailer and I didn't expect a near full size remodeled truck to get me 35 miles a gallon.
Overall I would say that this truck has got me all over the country dependably and comfortably.

When finding issues with the internal parts and the consumer games that are being played, honestly I need to just accept it like any other gloom and doom in this life and not take these things personally. Instead of Toyota - Bashing, I need to be the guy that comes up with solutions rather than focus on the issues. It's not my intention to make anyone feel bad about their vehicles (could have fooled you there huh?) But it IS my true and honest desire to not only help everyone here I can, but stimulate the ingenuitive and innovative energy by encouraging and celebrating the revolutionary and pioneering spirit of every member of this awesome site called Tacoma World.

I mean that.

Cheers

 

Mizzouborn: Thanks for the info - I'm gonna weld a socket and some extensions like you say cant wait to put it together im over carrying two spares everywhere

 

A couple of recommendations is ....
Don't try to pry it apart just yet!!!
#1... Silicone Sealant Remover
#2.... Rubber Mallot... Best tool ever!
#3... Heat just be careful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ7x6Lcml1Y

 

How do I open the manual on the repair itself. is it a link?
thanks

 

Ok.. Finally after I ordered two different timing chain kits and got everything back together tonight, I started her and she is whining really loud. I opened the Oil cap and it doesnt seem to be coming from the timing chain..

I plugged in my ODB2 code reader and I am getting a:

P0010 Cam Position Actuator A Bank 1 Ckt Malfunction.

I was thinking the loud whining was new oil pump, or new water pump.. don think thats the case after letting her run till she warmed up.

When laying under the truck the loud whining almost sounds like it is coming from the bottom of the motor.

I lined all the chains up with all the marks when installing the timing chains..

Gonna sleep on it, and wait for some suggestions from someone on here..

Attack it tomorrow starting with the Cam Position Sensor.

:|

 

"I have made templates of cardboard to make sure the bolts are going back where they came from." This is a great idea.

 

Great write up, wish I had seen this thread sooner, I recently did the head gasket on my 1GR-FE and even though a different engine they appear to have many similarities and probably share some of the same parts, I would have had a few words of wisdom for a few of the issues you ran into. I like the cardboard template for the bolts, I used a bunch of zip-lock bags for this purpose with labeling and numbering them.

Regarding the code, i know you said you checked the timing marks, and I think if they were off you would be having bigger issues than a CEL and some whining. I would take a look at the connector first and make sure all of the wires are still in good shape. Next would be the oil control valve, a little digging shows this to be a common issue associated with this code. Try pulling the valve and inspect and clean, perhaps some old RTV or something is blocking it? Good luck, subd for the outcome.