FZJ80 Timing Chain Tensioner 13540-66010

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Hi Folks, (re-edited)

1997 40th Anniversary 200k Miles
Early FZ80 (1993 - 1994) engines used a Ratchet Locking timing chain tensioner. This type of tensioner expands with oil pressure and then locks in place (PN: 13540-66010). This part number now subs to 13540-66011 (1993-1997), which is the non locking type.

The locking style chain tensioner helps keeps the timing chain quiet at start up (until the engine builds oil pressure). I do not know this specifically. Just from my research.

On my rig I had two internal oil leaks. The oil flow restrictor plug (the manual calls this an oil orifice) had backed out between the block and cylinder head, and the oil pump O Ring behind the timing cover (timing cover leak below the distributor and above the alternator). The timing cover O Ring was hard and brittle. I could hear the timing chain when the engine sound bounced off freeway sound walls. While I am not rebuilding my motor. I thought my timing chain had stretched or the tensioner had gone bad; hence the loud chain noise. So I replaced the chain, chain guides, crank/cam sprockets and the tensioner. The timing cover had to come off to fix the oil leak. The original timing chain, gears, and tensioner were all in spec (normal). Bummer. I am sure Toyota had a valid reason to eliminate the locking tensioner for the 1FZ motor. What surprised me was the number of Toyota engines still using the locking type chain tensioner (present day). I did not check/test my actual oil pressure. I just liked the idea of having the chain tensioner hold position all the time. Shame on me for second guessing the Toyota engineers... I mean why does the new land cruiser have a full lift hatch door? vs. a split tailgate. To quote another mudder. Maybe they don't prep/cook or make sandwiches with/in their rigs.

After searching other Toyota models, I found PN: 13540-75020 which is a near match dimensionally. The difference being the width of a metal ridge. The diameter is identical The oil hole and tensioner position is the same. The mounting holes and angled flange cutout are the same. I replaced my oil pump gears and bypass spring as well.

Just FYI

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Nice find! Have you tried this or are you looking for thoughts?
 
Nice find! Have you tried this or are you looking for thoughts?
I plan on using this PN 13540-75020 once I finish getting my rig back together. Feel free to comment.
 
Seems sound, though I have to wonder why they spec'd the non-locking version as a substitute if this was in production the whole time. I guess it's possible they decided the belt+suspenders approach simply wasn't necessary. There are definitely Toyota engines that put out less oil pressure, so perhaps the 1FZ simply has enough to keep it adequately tensioned, doing the job adequately with a cheaper part. I don't see that as a reason not to try it though!
 
I’m thinking without a ratcheting tensioner you will be more aware of chain and associated parts with more than half life wear, as you’re waiting for oil pressure taking up all that play and it’s rattling away. On startup that is.
 
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