22RTE - engine cranks, cam does not spin

[edeslaur]

87 4Runner 22RTE (turbo)

Was idling across the parking lot when the engine died for no reason. Crank, crank, crank... sounded like a no spark issue. Checked. No spark.

Went to get a meter, tried it again for giggles before checking the coil, etc... Thought I heard a clunk or two. Pulled the distributor cap - rotor was not spinning. Pulled the valve cover, chain is tight, but cam/chain not spinning when cranked.

Let's not talk about the Toyota "Specialty" shop which assembled my motor and screwed up just about everything else they touched on the truck. 22K since they worked on it, doubt I'll see much satisfaction.

Manual says I need to pull the head to remove the timing cover to get to the crank cam chain gear - any shortcuts? I'm also worried that the oil pump drive gear seems to be right next to it.

How garbaged should I expect things to be? Should I plan on another rebuild at this point?

 

[edeslaur]

Ok, I'm officially, probably, screwed:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/EngineMods/TimingChain.shtml
CAUTION: The 22R line of engines are an interference style engine.
Meaning if the valves are open when a piston is in the up position they will collide.
Therefore you must be VERY careful and keep the cam gear and crank perfectly aligned.

 

[KLF]

Head has to come off regardless at this point. That sucks.

 

[edeslaur]

Weeeellll, it's a turbo with dished pistons... maybe not. Maybe so... Oh the agony of decisions.

 

[dkdnt232]

Sounds like the dowell on the crank gear took a dump and it allow the gear to spin without turning the cam or distributor.

It sucks man, good luck on your repair. Hopefully nothing else is messed up.

 

[edeslaur]

I'm betting at least 1 bent valve. I'll know more in the next couple of weeks. I'm between garages, so it's going to have to sit a while.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[edeslaur]

Turns out the chain IS broken. I did a poor job checking it, I won't get into why.
Cam spins counterclockwise just fine, then clockwise until it stops... probably with a valve resting on a piston. I was wearing nice clothes with nitrile gloves so didn't spin the engine over to see if that made room for it to spin more.

Looks like I have some expenses coming up. :-( Thanks for the guidance, guys, sorry about my poor diagnostic job.

 

[jynx]

That stinks man. If it is the chain, then you could theoretically just pull the timing cover and replace the chain and guides, BUUUTTTT, knowing that it went down while you were driving, I would for sure pull the head and check the pistons and valves for damage. Hopefully everything will be golden and you can just install an new HG and timing set and be good.

Check for grooves in the timing cover, DS is generally where they will be if you have any. I would go back with a set of metal guides and since you have a turbo I would for sure get at least an OEM HG. If the sprockets were replaced 22k ago then a new chain, guides and tensioner should round you out. Unfortunately you would know until you actually get the head off to see what lies beneath. Once you get eyes on the carnage you may want to try and look down into the oil pan to see if there are any chunks that need to be removed before you start putting it back together.