4th gen timing chain question

[collinkonow]

I have tried to search this question on the site but wasn't able to find a direct answer. I have a 2008 V6 4Runner and it has 82,000 miles. I was wondering when, if ever, the timing chain needs to be replaced. I can't find anything about what the factory recommends.

 

[stevec5000]

I have tried to search this question on the site but wasn't able to find a direct answer. I have a 2008 V6 4Runner and it has 82,000 miles. I was wondering when, if ever, the timing chain needs to be replaced. I can't find anything about what the factory recommends.

Timing chains don't ever need to be changed, just timing belts on older models.
The chain should last the life of the engine. Consider yourself lucky since changing the belt was a big job.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Do you have the V8 or the V6? The V8 has a timing belt, the V6 a timing chain.

 

[stevec5000]

Do you have the V8 or the V6? The V8 has a timing belt, the V6 a timing chain.

He said it was a V6 so no timing belt.

 

[ChaosStarter]

Nope, no maintenance on those. Just do your oil changes and keep the oil topped off.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Shouldn't need to be changed until at least 250k.

 

[Eatonrun]

How about the 4R 2003 V6. Belt or chain? Thanks.

 

[nevada]

Timing chains don't ever need to be changed, just timing belts on older models.
The chain should last the life of the engine. Consider yourself lucky since changing the belt was a big job.

not true.
even chains need replaced. it just takes longer.
not everyone will sell their rig when it hits 100k.

 

[roadbelow]

Hey Nevada. So what is the recommended life of the chain?

I have one too and was under the assumption that it did not need replaced periodically, only if it failed.

Thanks,

RB

 

[stevec5000]

not true.
even chains need replaced. it just takes longer.

Not really. My '81 pickup has over 200K on it and the chain still looks like new.

 

[nevada]

Hey Nevada. So what is the recommended life of the chain?

I have one too and was under the assumption that it did not need replaced periodically, only if it failed.

Thanks,

RB

i couldnt tell you.
fixing them after they fail gets expensive.

i had a chain jump on my 85. maybe around the 200k mark. it was idling when it happened. valves smacked pistons. it was a bad day.

Not really. My '81 pickup has over 200K on it and the chain still looks like new.

ok.

 

[PhillyO]

my wifeys old 96 4cly 4r has 250k with the same chain. i believe they start making noise at start up when they start to go. ive also heard, as mentioned earlier, that doing ur oil changes regularly would make them last a lot longer.

 

[jimithing]

There's no set mileage recommended for replacing chains. If they start to get noisy then it's time to replace them because it could start slipping. Your engine may outlast the chain. Your chain may outlast the engine. It just depends. But, yeah, if they do get noisy it should be at least 250k miles. At least in Toyota's, not sure about other manufacturer chains.

 

[ChaosStarter]

If anybody ever does have a chain replaced, make sure to do the chain tensioners and guides as well. It's cheap insurance. Kind of like doing the water pump at the same time as the timing belt.

 

[Jeff4runner]

Also, it may be cheaper to buy a whole new Remaned engine from ebay. (Found one for 1500, or something), and rebuild it with brand new parts, like the water pump, pulleys etc. Its always fun having a brand new engine. : )

 

[Junior73]

Also, it may be cheaper to buy a whole new Remaned engine from ebay. (Found one for 1500, or something), and rebuild it with brand new parts, like the water pump, pulleys etc. Its always fun having a brand new engine. : )

It would be interesting to see the link, the v6 was designed not to be rebuilt as the block is aluminum with steel sleeves that cant be replaced. I believe the heads are rebuildable but... don't know about the v8.

 

[Gtuck61]

Got a 2013 runner with 133,000. Started to make a funky engine whine. Got to replace the timing chain tensioner gear. The vehicle has been maintained meticulously. I'm very disappointed. Yotas ain't what they used to be.