(Written by Wade Johnston, a neighbor and 'wheeling friend)

My Toyota 22RE was completely and professionally rebuilt using all Toyota parts. I was extremely happy with it until it developed an odd rattle at the front of the engine, just in front on the header. This rattle began when the engine had approximately 30,000 km on it, an extremely low mileage for any problem. The sound is very distinct and can usually be heard at about 2000 RPM when the engine levels off. As I worked though resolving the problem it became apparent that the long timing damper, on the driver's side of the engine, had broken. The damaged guide is visible by removing the valve cover and shining a light down the drivers side of the timing chain to see the sheared-off plastic. The noise is the timing chain slapping against the inner water jacket of the cover and if not fixed, it will wear through the aluminum and allow coolant into the crankcase (IE: ENGINE DEATH).

Toyota switched from metal to plastic timing guides with the fuel injected 4 cylinders in 1985, they also stopped using the dual timing chain and rollers in favor of a single chain and roller set. I felt that a flawed set had been installed as everyone knows that Toyota parts are of the highest quality. I went about purchasing all new Toyota factory parts, including new plastic guides, at a cost of Cdn$700.00. It takes a full day to install the parts and can be done WITHOUT removing the head if you look for the "hidden" bolt at the front of the head, just in front and below the timing gear (hidden under that little pocket of oil). After completion the engine again ran like a charm and I felt I would be trouble free for years. I was right, 2 years (and 30,000 km) to be exact, before the same death rattle returned. I had heard of metal backed timing guides and wished I had bought them the last time, they are available from DOA Racing Engines but take some time to get into Canada. They are also available from Northwest Off Road Specialties if you want to pop across the border. Not having the time to wait, the money to convert to US dollars, and being somewhat of a free thinker, I came up with a simple solution that will work for anyone.

The heads on the 22R and 22RE engines appear to have the same size opening at the front for the timing chain. The timing chain cover is shallower for the 22RE (single timing set) than it is for the 22R (dual timing set) and that's why the guides are a different thickness. Some people have converted to the 22R front cover and timing set which eliminates the plastic guides, I've never attempted this but know it works. My solution was to (again) replace the plastic guides and, with a heavy heart, I went and purchased them. As I was looking at them in my workshop a though occurred to me, "Why not use a Toyota metal guide." I had been told that it would NOT work but I would not be deterred, I was on a mission! I purchased the long metal guide for Cdn$80 as a custom order - NONREFUNDABLE! I took it home and lined it up next to the plastic guide. They were identical except that the metal guide was a bit deeper. I tried it in the truck just to see, it wouldn't fit because the timing case cover hit it. I then decided that if I CUT the metal guide to the same size as the plastic guide it would work. I set to work marking and hack sawing the expensive metal guide. I cut approximately 3/8" (8mm) by 8 3/4" (220mm) off the front; measured from the front at the bottom so that THE TOP AND INSIDE OF THE GUIDE REMAIN UNTOUCHED. I sawed from the rubber side through the metal side so that all shavings went out the back and were not trapped in the "new" guides rubber. I took the unit back to the truck and tried it out; it fit perfectly. The short curved plastic guide on the passengers side of the engine rarely causes a problem as the tensioner keeps the pressure from damaging the guide, this guide was replaced simply as a precautionary measure. I reassembled the engine and have been driving it for over 1000 KM with no problem.

The short story:

Use the 1985 or newer 22RE short "curved" guide and the 1984 22R long "straight" metal guide. On the long guide, cut approximately 3/8" (8mm) by 8 3/4" (220mm) off the front; measured from the front at the bottom so that THE TOP AND INSIDE OF THE GUIDE REMAIN UNTOUCHED. Saw through the rubber towards the steel and file off any burrs. Replace the chain, gears, and front oil seal with Toyota parts; the other gaskets don't seem to matter. You should also replace the retainer bolts on the metal guide as the ones for the plastic guide are long "shoulder" bolts. Reinstall and drive the vehicle worry free.

If you've been linked to this page, please check out the rest of the site!