2.7 (3RZ-FE) sound of worn timing chain?

[eurasiaoverland]

Hi All

So after a full rebuild on my 3RZ-FE, I just drove 23,212 kilometres across Russia, without any real issues. However, there has been a creeping increase in fuel consumption. This might be due to the cold (30º C when leaving, -20º C close to the end of the trip).

But for sure, I have some minor engine symptoms. Firstly, the idle has steadily become a bit lumpy. I wouldn't describe it as rough, and there is no change in idle speed, but I can feel it hiccup a little when idling. The frequency of these hiccups is getting higher. At 2000 rpm or above, I can feel the engine is louder and rougher than it used to be.

Now, I suspect that swapping plugs and injectors (I have a new OEM set of both) will remedy the problem, but in case it doesn't and this is something more serious, can anyone describe the noise of a worn (i.e. stretched) timing chain in this engine?

Thanks

EO

 

[aontkos]

I apologize for having no insight into your engine issues, but I just checked out your website and I am excited to see what you guys have going on. Cool stuff.

 

[eurasiaoverland]

I apologize for having no insight into your engine issues, but I just checked out your website and I am excited to see what you guys have going on. Cool stuff.

Thanks! You can see pictures from the trip in question (Aug - Oct 2017) on my FB page if you're interested: https://www.facebook.com/EurasiaOverland/

EO

 

[Kelevra]

Hi All

Is the chain tensioner a replaceable item?

 

[eurasiaoverland]

Hi All

Is the chain tensioner a replaceable item?

Yes. There are two; one for the timing chain, which is easy to replace, and one for the balance shaft which requires a partial engine strip-down to replace.

The engine was fully rebuilt about 25,000 km ago and both tensioners (and guides and chains) checked out according to FSM checks.

 

[snow junky]

Timing chains should last over 250kmi. What you described sounds more like a missfire.


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[eurasiaoverland]

Timing chains should last over 250kmi. What you described sounds more like a missfire.


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Yes, I agree. I don't know the precise mileage of my vehicle as it started recording in kilometres in Japan, then had a chip to convert kilometres to miles, and I have now de-chipped it back to km. Probably about 150k miles at the most.

I think its a faulty injector which is building up to a miss. Just interested if anyone has had a worn timing chain making a sound. I've heard videos of work chains / guides in a 22R-E engine and I have nothing which sounds like that.

Thanks

EO

 

[rkntoy]

Is it throwing any codes?

My first thought was exhaust valves - but if you had them done 25k ago that may remove them as a cause.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

My Saturn has a timing chain and it's been said that the chain will wirr like a chainsaw low on chain lube when it's time to replace it. Also the tensioner extension length on the Saturn 1.9l beyond 3/8" equals it's time to replace the chain. There should be something like that for your 2.7


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