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Old 03-01-2022, 08:49 AM #1
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2007 4.0 - Timing Chain Tensioner Cover?

i see theres a little cover over the timing chain tensioner...

has anyone replaced JUST the timing chain tensioner?
THROUGH THAT COVER
WITHOUT taking the timing covers off...


i mean its only 2 bolts right... what about the chain guides?

would the guides fall once tension is released?

im wondering the purpose of that cover, and if its possible to change just the tensioner through that hole... hmmmm

would the old one actually fit coming out through the hole?
will that momentary release of the guide tension cause any issues?
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2007 4.0 - Timing Chain Tensioner Cover?-hole-jpg 

Last edited by x-77-x; 03-01-2022 at 11:30 AM.
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Old 03-02-2022, 06:22 PM #2
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That is supposed to be an inspection cover for the tensioner. TO be honest with you... I've never seen that cover leak, used it, or met any technicians who have used it on a Toyota. If I need to look at the chains I'll pop a valve cover off for a better view and if I'm changing a tensioner, I'm already in there changing the chains, guides, idler sprocket and crank sprocket at least.

I think toyota even had a poll on TIS a while back and the majority of responses ranged from, "no and didn't know what it was for."

As for your question, maybe? I mean I suppose if you put the engine at TDC and found a way I make sure the cams didn't roll over and/or the chain slips a tooth or four when you take tension off you could theoretically swap the tensioner out by itself. I can look at the FSM and see if it mentions anything when I get home tonight.

But why would to want to replace only the tensioner? You having an issue?
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Old 03-02-2022, 08:35 PM #3
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preventative maintenance...

im at 150K+ miles, no codes or anything


if you could hold the guide in, while swapping it out...
thought it might be a good idea

IF it would come out of the hole extended...

looks like it would fit retracted

hmmm
product idea for someone... a wedge or something you could put in there to hold it position while you take the old out, and put in the new


and thats just some picture i found on the internet, thats not actually what mine looks like
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Old 03-02-2022, 10:53 PM #4
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So, you probably can just rotate the tensioner and get it through the inspection hole without too much issue, it will be much easier installing it.

The main thing you'll be fighting if you do that is the tension on the actual chains themselves. Even at TDC it is possible for the cams to still want to roll some and skip timing when you take tension off the guide; though at TDC it should have the least amount of chance to do that. I mention that because on the 5.7L V8's when you're trying to time the chains after resealing the camshaft housings, Bank 1 likes to be very touchy and will sometimes roll on it's own just breathing on it. Just pushing on the guide isn't going to be enough (that's why the tensioner is a ratcheting design unlike the two tensioners used for the chains between the Intake and Exhaust Camshafts, so that even if it loses oil pressure it shouldn't be able to be pushed physically back far enough to let the chain slip, at least in theory).

Normally, this slipping isn't a super big deal because you have the timing cover off and valve covers off so you can just throw a wrench on the camshaft to hold it in place and wiggle it as needed so it doesn't spin on you. The thing is, I can't remember which cam wants to roll on you on a GR motor; I maybe do a timing cover or cylinder head gasket on one every once in a blue moon (we have more 5.7L guys buying timing cover/camshaft housing reseals than we do V6 owners). So you'd also want to pull one or both valve covers off so you can either make a tool to "lock" the camshafts at TDC (Toyota doesn't have a tool for this like Ford, it isn't something we ever have to do) or find the one that wants to roll on you and have someone hold it with a wrench. To give you an idea what I mean, here's a better picture of where the No.1 Timing Chain Tensioner lives on the front of the block along with a whole view of the front of the engine with the cover removed (I think this picture is a 2GR-FE, but the way the chains, guides, and tensioners are set-up is pretty much identical).

2007 4.0 - Timing Chain Tensioner Cover?-4runner_tensioner_may2018-jpg2007 4.0 - Timing Chain Tensioner Cover?-img_0257-jpg

One more thing I will mention is that I wouldn't bother with replacing just the tensioner. Because chain stretch is an actual thing, usually by the time you hear the chain slapping, the guides will also have some excessive wear (they also get very brittle at high age/mileage when they dry out, I don't know exactly why but I have had the plastic shatter on a few over the years from sitting for a day or two not bathed in oil). This is why I always add an additional recommendation to vehicles with a lot of years and/or miles (basically anything over 10yr/150k) to replace the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and at least a crank sprocket when I recommend doing any work that will expose the timing chain or require it's removal (It's usually either just parts if I am already taking them off, or at least an hour labour if I have to take everything off and re-time it.)

In any case, I don't usually recommend people replace their timing chain components unless there's an issue with them and/or we're already tearing down the engine that far and the vehicle is older/higher mileage. But it doesn't hurt to check your timing chain and timing if you have the valve covers off to give you a rough idea if they need to be replaced.

Here's a good example of what I mean by timing chain stretch, I stumbled across this guy's issues with his FJ Cruiser (oddly enough, we have seen a lot of stretched chains specifically around the 2007 model year on mainly FJ Cruisers, but some 4Runners, and Tacomas; not sure if it was like a bad batch of chains or if it's just a coincidence?) and a few pictures of what the chains look like.

Stretched timing chain | Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

~

Hopefully that isn't too much rambling for you, I just was trying to give you as much information as I could for your question in case you did want to try it and also share why I don't think I'd bother with it at this time.
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Old 03-03-2022, 08:29 AM #5
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i see that guide is so long that youd risk the chance of loosing a tooth on the bottom...

im just gonna go with, better to leave it alone.... its all or nothing =)
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Old 03-03-2022, 02:49 PM #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackWorksInc View Post
So, you probably can just rotate the tensioner and get it through the inspection hole without too much issue, it will be much easier installing it.

The main thing you'll be fighting if you do that is the tension on the actual chains themselves. Even at TDC it is possible for the cams to still want to roll some and skip timing when you take tension off the guide; though at TDC it should have the least amount of chance to do that. I mention that because on the 5.7L V8's when you're trying to time the chains after resealing the camshaft housings, Bank 1 likes to be very touchy and will sometimes roll on it's own just breathing on it. Just pushing on the guide isn't going to be enough (that's why the tensioner is a ratcheting design unlike the two tensioners used for the chains between the Intake and Exhaust Camshafts, so that even if it loses oil pressure it shouldn't be able to be pushed physically back far enough to let the chain slip, at least in theory).

Normally, this slipping isn't a super big deal because you have the timing cover off and valve covers off so you can just throw a wrench on the camshaft to hold it in place and wiggle it as needed so it doesn't spin on you. The thing is, I can't remember which cam wants to roll on you on a GR motor; I maybe do a timing cover or cylinder head gasket on one every once in a blue moon (we have more 5.7L guys buying timing cover/camshaft housing reseals than we do V6 owners). So you'd also want to pull one or both valve covers off so you can either make a tool to "lock" the camshafts at TDC (Toyota doesn't have a tool for this like Ford, it isn't something we ever have to do) or find the one that wants to roll on you and have someone hold it with a wrench. To give you an idea what I mean, here's a better picture of where the No.1 Timing Chain Tensioner lives on the front of the block along with a whole view of the front of the engine with the cover removed (I think this picture is a 2GR-FE, but the way the chains, guides, and tensioners are set-up is pretty much identical).

Attachment 393291Attachment 393292

One more thing I will mention is that I wouldn't bother with replacing just the tensioner. Because chain stretch is an actual thing, usually by the time you hear the chain slapping, the guides will also have some excessive wear (they also get very brittle at high age/mileage when they dry out, I don't know exactly why but I have had the plastic shatter on a few over the years from sitting for a day or two not bathed in oil). This is why I always add an additional recommendation to vehicles with a lot of years and/or miles (basically anything over 10yr/150k) to replace the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and at least a crank sprocket when I recommend doing any work that will expose the timing chain or require it's removal (It's usually either just parts if I am already taking them off, or at least an hour labour if I have to take everything off and re-time it.)

In any case, I don't usually recommend people replace their timing chain components unless there's an issue with them and/or we're already tearing down the engine that far and the vehicle is older/higher mileage. But it doesn't hurt to check your timing chain and timing if you have the valve covers off to give you a rough idea if they need to be replaced.

Here's a good example of what I mean by timing chain stretch, I stumbled across this guy's issues with his FJ Cruiser (oddly enough, we have seen a lot of stretched chains specifically around the 2007 model year on mainly FJ Cruisers, but some 4Runners, and Tacomas; not sure if it was like a bad batch of chains or if it's just a coincidence?) and a few pictures of what the chains look like.

Stretched timing chain | Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

~

Hopefully that isn't too much rambling for you, I just was trying to give you as much information as I could for your question in case you did want to try it and also share why I don't think I'd bother with it at this time.
Is the FJ built in a different factory? Does that amount of sludge look excessive?
Just curious as I have an 07 4runner with 251K on the clock. I pulled the inspection cover last year when I did the water pump and only saw 1 ring on the tensioner.
I do unfortunately have the weeping timing cover gasket on the right side.
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Old 03-03-2022, 03:17 PM #7
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I don't think the tensioner is an item worth considering for preventative maintenance. It's not something that wears out or is subject to even a low risk of failure. If it was to seize up, any chain stretch is eventually going to throw a code, P0016, and in my experience is a condition you can drive with for thousands of miles before it becomes a serious problem.
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