Timing chain replacement 2008 2TRFE

Good morning TC world,
I was very excited to close the deal on my first Tacoma, a 2008 2nd generation 4wd with the four cylinder and a manual transmission. The truck was just a blast to drive for the first month then started making the dreaded timing chain rattle and I wanted to check with the forum in regards to procedures before diving into the repairs. From what I could gather is it true the head or the oil pan needs to be removed in order to remove the timing cover and if so which is preferred? Is there a specific manual that is recommended that would have procedures for this repair? With 150k on the odometer what other parts should be replaced with this fix. Thanks fixit61

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ment-w-pictures-tacoma-2005-2-7-vvt-i.357418/

This will give you an idea of what you are in for. I would do the waterproof and all the seals and gaskets that you get near as well. No sense in doing it all again for a few bits of rubber.

 

Thanks Artruck, the tables set and I'm going in.

 

Pics and write-up please! Oh, and good luck.

 

Yeah a write up would be awesome...i have a 06 basicly same truck it sounds like. I have a 150k and no idea how my timing chain is doing.

 

the 2tr-fe has a lifetime timing chain. its the guides that wear.
never heard of this "dreaded timing chain rattle" issue with these motors.

 

I was also thrown by the "dreaded timing chain rattle". Never heard of it and nothing should be that worn at 150K miles. Chasing a ghost me thinks.

 

yea, unless the oil was not changed much. Neglected oil can do a number to chains.

 

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Ghost or not the rattle was there at 1200 rpm and we’re going in for a timing chain set replacement.


Not sure where the tensioner plunger should be but mine’s extended 3/8”.Here’s the kit I ordered.

 

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If you wanted a tad more performance, you could also do the balancer shaft delete kit from LCE.

But i doubt you're in it to forge your internals and have it all balanced.

 

Okay enough of the pretty pictures and disorganized posts let me recap to this point.
I’ve owned this 2008 Tacoma with 150k miles on the 4 cylinder 2TR FE motor for 1 month before a distinctive timing chain rattle reared it’s ugly head. The motor had an excessive oil leak coming from the timing cover and jet black oil in the pan when I received it.
From what I’m hearing this shouldn’t have happened unless the motor was possibly starved for oil or had not received proper oil changes, regardless I’m moving forward hoping this will correct the abuse she’s had.

 

Your right there, I’m okay with the performance and aren’t set up to machine parts.

 

Did you find the cause of the "rattle"?
Was the chain loose?
Was the chain guides worn?

From the pictures it doesn't look bad at all.

While you have it down you should replace the Coolant Bypass pipe that is plastic under the intake. They have an updated unit that is steel. You can see yours in Post # 10, Second Picture is plastic still.

This is an image of the new pipe.

 

The timing chain and guides had no damage or ware marks at all and when these new parts where installed the tensioner plunger was sitting in the same position as the old one leading me to believe there was no chain stretch or pulley ware either.

The second chain, down lower and behind the first did have ware marks in the pivot guide but the other two fixed guides where like new. This assembly did seem a little sloppy which could have caused the rattle. The new tension plunger for this new set did appear to have less through when assembled indicating more ware.

Thanks for the tip on the new steel water line.

 

The plastic one will leak just after the flange. It would probably be easier to replace now than later when the engine is all assembled back together.

 

In summation I post. The timing chain rattle was in fact operator negligence. The engineers have oil pressure keeping tension on the chains and these tensioners will relax shortly after your oil pump sucks air giving you a subtle and not so damaging reminder to fix your leaks and pay attention to your fluids.

 

I commend you for admitting that on a public forum.

 

Fixit61: Jimmyh is correct. Thank you for that last post. Humility and courage are two qualities you possess.