I would just ask them. They are probably going to want to do at least some diagnosis before digging into the engine.

If you decide to do the work yourself, you can also use this thread below for a step by step on what to do. It's basically the same as the FSM, but with some tips to make it easier. It's for the full headgasket job so just get to the point where he has the valve covers and timing cover off, put the new chain on and reassemble everything.

New member - need help!!!! - p304 misfire - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

As a sufferer of P0016 myself, I will backup the guys advising not to bother with the VVT replacement. The FSM shows only two possible trouble areas for this code; the timing chain or the ECM. And if you watch the entire YT series on the condition, the presenter proves that it can't be the VVT system. Sucks to hear, since the chain replacement is not a simple task, but it is what it is. My chain stretched at 120k miles.

Depends on the dealership. The dealership my 4Runner's original owner used quoted him a full engine replacement due to sludge, no evidence they ever checked the chain.

Yeah, I figured I would go ahead and take it back to the dealer (not too many options around here) and leave it with them for the day to get a diagnosis. Unfortunately, this is one I won't have time to do myself. I HATE that I'm going to have to pay to have this done. Have another kid on the way and really wanted to save some money, but I have way too much going on to do such a time consuming service.

Yeah, the video definitely reinforces that it is not likely to be a something as simple as a sticky OCV. So I'm bracing myself.

WOW! That's extreme! Those sludge pictures were insane!

Def brace yourself.... I was quoted $4600.

I hear ya. It took me a net of 6 days, working during evenings with the occasional Saturday or Sunday (but not both due to 2 kids). My first DOHC engine project, but not my first time inside an engine. I could do it again in 3 full days with what I learned during the process, e.g. technique to unbolt the AC compressor...there was a lot of staring and scratching my head even with the factory shop manual.

And congrats in advance on your new family member!!

Thank you! I appreciate it!

Man... I don't even have a dry place to do that kind of work for that many consecutive days. Holy cow! This is not good...

HOLY CRAP!!!! Dealer?

What did the diagnosis cost??

Yeah, dealer. I did the diagnosis and told them what needed done.

Quick update for you guys...

Indeed, it needs a timing chain. 206,000 miles has been a good stretch, I guess. (no pun intended), but DAMN... It's amazing how much it costs to do it. Just on my soapbox here, but it sucks that they don't even offer a discount for something that should have lasted much longer. But... it is what it is.

I work in motorsports, and the dealer is related to one of the race teams here, so they are going to at least give me the discount for the relationship, so I guess that's worth something. Can't complain about that.

What a headache...

Thanks for everyone's input! I guess we can change the name of this thread to, "You may want it to only be Oil Control Valves, but it will turn out to be a timing chain." HAHA

FWIW I replaced the timing chain/components on my 2007. It probably took me 14+ hours but only cost about $500 in parts. Apparently there was a TSB for a known leak at the timing cover on 2007 1gr-fe's but Toyota only covered it to 30,000 miles.

I purchased an 07' last Monday, fluids being changed and drive belt being changed as we speak...got a call...got this OCV code. I've done some things on a car and my 77' cb750f super sport but never with an engine. How much mechanical experience did you have when you did this? Any special tools you need and is it easy. I'm not worried about time. Thanks.

This is what I've been sent.

Attached Images

 

Don't waste your time replacing the oil control valves. If they were faulty, you would have a different code.

The first thing you need to check when you have a P0016 code is the timing chain tensioner. On the front of the timing chain cover is a rectangular plate secured with 4 bolts. This is the inspection cover, remove it and see how far the tensioner has extended. If you can see lots of shiny shaft and several 'oil bands', then your chain has stretched.
Start watching this series.
YouTube
Also, here's exactly what the tensioner looks like......
YouTube