Topic: 22r timing chain broke!

[Jeffe 81]

So my 1983 22r single row timing chain broke with no warning.  It didn't rattle on start up or make any noise at any time.  My last '81 22r made a lot of noise on start up before I replaced the chain, so I know what it sounds like when the chain should be replaced.  I even checked the guides when I bought the truck and they looked fine.  I was idling in 4th gear going down the road at about 1200rpms when it felt like the transmission popped out of gear and the engine quit.  There was no noise when the chain broke.  I thought the engine stalled so I tried to restart it, again no noise other than the starter sounded like it was spinning a lot faster, but no sounds of pistons hitting valves or anything.  What are the chances that the head is ok and no valves were bent?  Is there any way to check without pulling the head?  When I pulled the valve cover off, the chain was still on the top timing gear, like it broke at the bottom gear but didn't flap around. Thanks!

[Jeffe 81 [OP]]

PS the engine has 177,000 miles on it, and it ran very strong right up to the chain breaking.  It just easily passed emissions.   

[83yotachad]

I have 2 pretty new chains if you want them pay shipping

[Jeffe 81 [OP]]

Sweet!  Do you have any guides or tensioners?

[79coyotefrg]

get all the guides and chain aka 'TC kit' from a 81 22R (dual chain) and replace the single with it

change the chain then run a compression test, it will show if you bent a valve

[Jeffe 81 [OP]]

Will the dual row kit work with the timing cover?  I would much rather have the dual row with metal guides, but don't want to try a different timing cover if I'm not pulling the head.  Thanks!

[79coyotefrg]

yes it should work fine

[emsvitil]

You'll need a shorter oil pump drive/spacer with the dual row gears and chain...........

[Jeffe 81 [OP]]

Thanks for the help everyone!  I think I'll keep the single row, but use LC Engineering's metal guides.  It seems like the issues with the single row chain are the plastic guides, or am I wrong?  Is it easy to find the shorter oil pump drive if I should go dual row?

[83yotachad]

Yes one set but two chains.

[wesley]

just use the metal guides and you will be fine. many auto part stores cary them too. you dont necessarily have to order it from lc

[gmack192]

Check your valves....    I bent 2 (for sure) when my timing chain broke. It would SUCK to put everything back together, only to find out you bent a valve or more.