2007 Camry 2.4 timing chain issue and engine porn

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by Anduril
Replaced the tensioner. There's less play in the chain but I can still move it relatively freely with a screwdriver. I figured as much, since the old one still seemed to work properly when I removed it. Unfortunately this means I'll be tearing it apart further

The guide itself on the front (non-tensioner) side seems to move a bit when I poke at it with a screwdriver. I don't think it should be doing that.


Freeplay in the chain is normal on a Ratcheting Oil Fed Tensioner set-up. The question is......Is the tensioner maxed out?
If it was, I would expect a P0016 DTC (Cam Crank Correlation).

Though....I guess it's possible the variance hasn't quite reached the P0016 set threshold yet.

Without the engine at TDC......Freeplay in the chain between the camshaft gears can be considered normal!

You say the fixed "Front" chain guide/shoe has play? Can you elaborate?

 

[mehullica]

That amount of play between the sprockets is normal if you're not on TDC

 

[02SE]

As mentioned, some slack is normal. Every camchain has service limit. The thing to do would be to find that spec, which will invariably be the distance between a specific number of pins. If I were home, I'd look it up for you.

 

[Anduril]

Update: It appears I got away with just replacing the tensioner. The old one definitely felt stuck and very slow to move, so I'm pretty sure it was bad. The new one moved freely and sprung out with a lot of force, and did *not* fully extend when I installed it, however there was still play in the slack side of the chain. That led me to believe something else was wrong, however apparently I needed to start the engine for everything to settle back to the way it should be.

I didn't particularly want to put everything back together just to find out that more repairs were needed, and I've been busy, but yesterday I bit the bullet and did it. Waited 24 hours for the two spots of RTV on the valve covers to dry, and started it up for the first time this morning. It rattled a bit at cold start, which I assume was the tensioner and chain figuring itself out and getting back to proper tightness, but was quiet at warm idle. I can deal with the oil burning for now, as this engine runs smooth and has a good amount of power otherwise.

 

[diyjake]

So you can replace the tensioner without removing the timing chain?

 

[Cujet]

May I suggest Mobil 1, 10w30 high mileage at your next oil change. It has a robust additive package that will help prevent timing chain wear and enough viscosity/HTHS to prevent excess oil consumption. Many Toyota owners have good results with it. It will not coke up rings.

Sorry to hear about the issues you are having. It's good to remember that the use of a high quality synthetic of sufficient viscosity and regular oil changes will prevent these problems.