Topic: What's gonna blow?

[komet]

My '87 4runner has 225k on the original 22RE engine. I bought it from the original owner who told me he had never done anything major to the engine. He did do all maintenance (oil changes, tuneups, etc) and it runs well. My question is there anything I should/could do to it as preventive repair to keep it going. For example, sould I replace the timing chain?
I a conservative driver on the road... I'm not a Mad Max type. So the engine doesn't work hard on the road. But, I did bury the 'runner up to the frame in river mud last Saturday !
Liked it soo much I'm going back for more.

[mr4x42u]

yea,,for sure that would be one of the first things..The chain will get slack in it and could rub a hole in the timing cover..Then you get coolant in the oil and soon after that..Well a funny rattle starts in the bottom end..A good valve adjustment would be good too..Can clean the trrottle body for more power and its a good tune up item to clean..They get pretty nasty..

 

[komet [OP]]

Thanks... How long do these engines last anyways?

[BigMike]

Our 250k+ 87 4Runner has needed:

1 Alternator
1 Radiator
1 Water Pump

Amazing.

[mr4x42u]

my runner is pushing 240k soon...wtaer pump,,rad,,and an alt so far..Still runs like a top..On my 83 it had 310k on it before it went..and all it lost was a timing chain..I replaced it anyway..

[komet [OP]]

Thanks everyone...I'm starting on the chain this weekend. Glad you told me or I might be changing it on the trail instead of my garage.

[BigMike]

Hey komet,

Be sure to post a report of how it went in the "Tech Guide" section under the approiate section for your truck.

Just start a new thread titled something like "Timing Chain Replacment" and let us know information like how long it took you, what tools were needed, and any tips that you found that make it an easier job to do

The whole idea of the Tech Section is so that when people, like yourself, need to make the repair, they can check that section and read how hard/easy it was for other people and any advise that could save them time or make their job a little bit more enjoyable.

Thanks and good luck! Let us know how it all goes-

Cya
BigMike

[mr4x42u]

hey,,,just a note,,I have seen lots of guys bust up chain covers by not pulling out the hidden bolt..Its usally hidden under oil in front of the chain in the middle of the head going down to the cover...just a note..