How to fix a timing chain rattle on a 85-94 Toyota 22R engine

Toyota 22R 1985-94 85- Celica, P.U., Four runner.

There are two basic different 20-21-22r engines, and three different timing chain setups. The early tall block 20-22r block used a dual row chain with steel backed rubber faced guides, the 83-84 22r used a single row chain with plastic guides and short step bolts, then came the final setup, a shorter block, thinner head, combustion chamber with a large squish area, nearly flat pistons, and pear shaped exhaust ports. It has a single row chain, with plastic guides with long step bolts on the left (drivers side) and short step bolts on the right holding the guides on. On this last 22R there is high incidence of guide failure, usually starting with the long straighter left guide breaking, allowing the chain to rattle against the timing cover in the area where the coolant passes through to the water pump, eventually wearing through and letting coolant into the crankcase. Upon inspection we find the chain is loose when installed, the tensioner is close to half way out on a new engine.

If we use a right side, curved guide and
short step bolts from an 83-84 and a prestretched timing chain, it goes together tight, the tensioner is fully retracted making the whole setup have less play, and less chance to rattle and break the left guide. I've never seen this setup fail, oil leaks from using sealant around the oil ports on the right side have been tough, but using the factory gasket on this side seems to work, also the felpro with printed seal in this area seem to work well.

This is critical if the block and head have been surfaced, making the chain even looser.

Hope this helps