It's pretty easy when you have the motor out. I've done timing chain replacement on an Audi Q5 2.0T with the engine on the car and its doable thanks to RU-vid videos like these.
You can go with the Toyota seal packing for the timing cover or save some monies and go with the orange RTV high temperature gasket maker found at your local Walmart or Auto parts store
keith no I did not I had the spark plugs out so no compression on both sides I did do one once it kept wanting to jump forward due to the way the cam lobe was pressing on the valve (left plugs in also) so I had a partner hold the cam with I believe a 7/8 or 15/16 wrench while i put on timing chain cover and timing chain tensioner once tensioner was in I pressed in on the end to release the hook and once tension was on it was fine
Hi, Do you have to do something when you changing the chain tensioner gasket only (chain and camshaft covers in place) to avoid it snaps from the crankshaft gear? Or it is not possible to loose timing when spinning backwards the motor to release the tensioner afterwards?
I have never replaced a tensioner without removing valve cover 99.9% sure if u was to remove tensioner without hold the cams they are gonna jump timing I recommend removing valve cover and holding intake and exhaust cam with a wrench may need a helper then once u have a good lock on them then undo and remove the tensioner
I had a neighbor changed my timing chain 6 months ago and yesterday the engine failed. When we took the timing cover off, the bottom small gear nut was loose 😢. Number 2 piston is broken.
I have done several of these I have not tried using any other sealants the oem lasted over 100,000 miles so I decided to stay with it the others may or may not last as long
