18r / 18rc timing chain kits differences

[RetroMat]

Hi all, i own a '79 HiAce camper with and 18r engine, i need to replace the timing chains so was going to buy a full timing chain kit. I havent been able to get hold of one, my local auto shop managed to get me a full gasket set but no chain kit. They can get chains for the 18r but they only list the same chain for both the upper and lower, is this right? No body seems to stock many parts for old toyotas in the Uk so i started looking abroad
A friend in the U.S. has found me a 8rc and 18rc timing chain kit for a '72-'74 corona before i get him to ship it over to me is this the right kit for my engine? Are there any Other online surpliers i should be looking at?

cheers Mat

[airfireman1]

18r and 18rc kits are the same. You can still purchase the kits here in australia.
the 18r and the18rc are basicaly the same motor only the "C" designation is for the smog control crap that was fitted to them.
Cheers

[kylestyleup]

Hi,

I am about to change my timing chain of my 18R (makes sounds like war).
I was wondering if it is possible to replace chains and tensioners without taking off the head?

[kylestyleup]

anyone...?

[SilverRA23]

Yes this can be done without removing the head. Should just need to take the tappet cover off i imagine.

[kylestyleup]

Yes this can be done without removing the head. Should just need to take the tappet cover off i imagine.

I can't picture it.

so...
1. I remove chain cover
2. and valve cover...

from here my mind blacks out... lol...
The head is still in the way covering the cam sprocket...
can I slip-out the old chain..? and slip-in the new one with that head in the way..?

[SilverRA23]

Take off valve cover.
Take out a link on the old chain - dont drop the ends though.
Connect new chain to old chain
Wind motor over slowly, maintaining tension so it all runs nicely.
Once new chain appears on the other side, connect the two ends of your new chain together and off you go.

Note I have never done it, but thats the general theory. You aren't trying to slip the chain over the cogs from the front.

[kylestyleup]

thanks... great...

hmmmm.... but it seems
I will need a special tool to unlink and re-link the chains...
do I...?

[SilverRA23]

No. There should be a shiny link in your old one that is the one to un-do.

Good basic mechanical skills should get you through. If you don't think you can do this, suggest you should get a mechanic to do it for you.

Might save a whole lot of expensive grief.

At the very least you need a friend to help you keep the tension on the chain as you wind it through the motor.

[kylestyleup]

ok...

I like the sound DIY...
but I'll try see if I can or not...

and one more thing...
of course I have to drain the coolant.
but do I need to drain the engine oil?

[kylestyleup]

ahhh... found one...

there is a tool then.... called chain crimping tool...







now I know how to link it back...
Problem is how to undo the link...

Update: This is Great
http://www.dieselgiant.com/replacetimingchain.htm




.

[StuRT104]

carefully pop it with a flathead screwdriver.....be careful not to drop it into the oil sump

[Steve M]

The top and bottom chains are the same. Both have 62 links.

I think the top chain can be changed without taking the head off but you'd have to be careful to turn the crank and the camshaft at the same time or risk damaging valves.

The bottom chain should need the timing case removed to be changed.

I would remove the head and timing case if I had to do this job. Though it would be nide to not have to, I think it would make the whole job easier.

I would do this:

head off (replace head gasket, top tensioner, slipper guide)
timing case off (replace timing case gaskets and lower tensioner + guide)
sump off (replace sump gasket)

That's what I'd be doing. The job's easier (assuming that you can remove the harmonic balancer) that way and everything get's a bit of a freshen up except piston rings and bearings.

[RetroMat]

forgot to update this, I found on my Hiace it was easiest to take the head off, then the rest was easy. I pretty much did what Steve M says in the post above. Although found i didn't have to take the sump off.

I'm keeping a build thread here:
http://oldjapanesecar.proboards.com/...ad=1114&page=3

[kylestyleup]

Hi all,

Sorry I got no pics to post.
My camera is broken.

Here is what I did:

1. Took off belts.
2. Radiator
3. took off crank pulley
4. took off water pump
5. I took off the valve cover
6. I took off upper tensioner/slipper spring at the side and slipper bolt from the chain cover.
7. Loosen all oil pan bolts. (so chain cover will move downwards to remove since the head is still firmly bolted on.)
8. Took off chain cover.
9. Loosen the sprockets and used a gear puller.
10. Removing the upper chain is easy, there is a moon-shaped black plastic on the head (front). Take it off and the upper chain will easily slip out from the cam-shaft sprocket (remove in angle accordingly).

Now you can replace all timing chain parts including the dampers.

Putting it all back on... Just revers the process.

That's what I did... an hour removing.., another one and a half hour for installation...
2 to 3 hours may be...