1987 4Runner 22RE Timing Chain Replacement Part 2 of 6

In this short series I start working on replacing the timing chain in my 1987 Toyota 4Runner with the 22RE engine. Toyota used this engine in Toyota Pickups and 4Runners up to 1995. There are shortcuts which attempt to remove the timing cover without removing the head. Some have reported good results with this method but that's not what I show in this video. This video covers removing upper intake manifold, disconnecting the harness, and removing the head.

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Breaking your PA sounded painful until I saw what you were talking about. We had a 1983 GT-S that we bought new which used up two of those engines in 481,000 miles. Both were timing chain tensioner failures. The original engine wore a hole through the timing cover at 263K and promptly blew off the top of the radiator. The second engine was somewhat newer, about an '85 with about 15K. It lasted slightly less mileage and ended up throwing it's chain completely off. They were trouble-free otherwise. Nobody at that time(1994) realized the tensioners were a weak point yet.

[@raulmillan5010]

Great job Alex! Really cool to see in-depth videos like this, really helpful!

[@autostationfanatic]

Thanks for all the 22re videos. Trying to rebuild my 87 22re

[@kevinx2248]

i'll be waiting to see part 3, thanks

[@CHUKKILICIOUS]

Hey Fellow ‘Yota, I am anxiously awaiting part 3 on the timing chain replacement. Any news?

[@jakeaustin9894]

Where's part 3?? :)

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Just uploaded.

[@kylebowling3042]

Great videos! Thanks for the content!

[@guadalupecovarrubias3487]

Never fails man blown hose at night with rain. Hey at least it's a Toyota makes life easier.

[@shobud7561]

Ive been told thats a great engine . Hey Alex I have a 83 corolla with a 1.6 engine with a 3 speed automatic transmission . Will the 22R engine like you have there bolt up to the 3 speed automatic transmission I have ? Any info would be great...

[@TheAlexManVideos]

That's not something I've ever looked into or even heard of.

[@nicholaspalmer2916]

Very nice!

[@andrewhernandez9575]

Hi Alex so I pull the head no need to machine or re surface the head and block if the car never over heated ? Gonna be working on a 22r

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I've done a few rebuilds and just put the head back on without machining. You can do a rudimentary check with a straight edge to see if it's way out of whack. Check the head for cracks around the valve seats and check for erosion around the water ports. Use an OEM head gasket. The aftermarket stuff does not work. You'll be back in there in 30,000 miles.

[@zoktoberfest]

This is a timing chain replacement video...right? But you're removing head...why didn't you mention that in the title? Removing the timing chain cover can be done without that additional removal procedure, but it's a very tight fit...and sealing the interface between the bottom of the head gasket and the top of the timing chain cover is of course a potential problem, if there is one. I was planning not to pull the head, but you have made me rethink that. A new head gasket is always a little piece of mind if head surface is determined to be flat and the clean up and reinstall and re-torque done right.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I did mention that other people have replaced the timing chain without removing the head. I also said I don't believe that's the right way and that I wouldn't be doing it that way. Research the topic and do what you believe is best for the time and money you have available.

[@relaxingsensations1722]

The head bolts are just those 10 bolts you loosened up when you took the valve cover off?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Yes.

[@thejasonkellett]

Great vid!

[@conebone669]

What have u been doing lately? I used to watch u religiously when u had ur Honda videos

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I don't do much with the Z50's anymore except ride them. I spend all my money on these Toyotas now.

[@davidabineri908]

Alex, Is it possible to remove the timing cover without having to remove the head?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

It is, some people have done it with claimed success. I would not recommend it. Getting the timing cover to slide into place under the head gasket is difficult and risky. Seems likely you would have difficulty getting it to seal. It's up to you though.

[@ryand8639]

I’ve done it with success.

[@JakeRaytheRounder]

Hey Alex thanks for the video help. I have a couple questions if you have the time. I have a 1991 22re with blown head gasket and had to drive back and forth to work for about a month constantly adding new coolant. First where do you get your parts and should I get the head gasket/timing kit or full rebuild kit? Second if I find that its worse than expected would you recommend one of those rebuilt motors off of craigslist ($1,400-2,000) or try and rebuild myself (cost wise and for the long term)? Also might I just be able to replace the gasket and do the timing chain rather than full rebuild or should i expect to rebuild the head? I've never done this job but have to do it myself so any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I would recommend only an OEM head gasket. You can buy them from a dealership or from many online genuine Toyota parts places. I often buy from ToyotaPartsDeal.com. For the timing kit, OSK is a good brand. They are made in Japan. 22REPerformance is a good place to buy those from. Really friendly, helpful, knowledgeable people. I would definitely not recommend any rebuilt motor in that price range. If you want a totally rebuilt motor I'd only recommend 22RE Performance. Pricey, but worth it. LCE also makes good stuff, but I'd say they are a bit overpriced. I know 22RE Performance is out of most people's price range. If you end up needing to replace the engine, look for a good used one that hasn't been messed with. If your truck overheats, chances are the bottom end will survive and you can just put a new/good used head on. In general, stay away from the cheapest options. Used OEM Toyota is better than any new aftermarket when it comes to engine parts.