Celica Timing Chain

[Jo Rogers]

I was wondering if anyone could help me….

We have a Toyota Celica 1.8 VVT-I, W Reg, 2000.

Please excuse my ignorance but I was wondering when / if you change the timing chain (I’ve been told it’s a chain not a belt). I’ve been told a few of answers:

1) You don’t change a timing chain

2) You change a timing chain

3) It’s not as simple as just changing a belt

Sorry if I’m being daft but I thought someone here would be able to answer correctly.

Thanks for any assistance you could give me…..

[Bibbs]

It seems to be with the new breed of VVT engines that a chain is used.

Supposedly you never need to as it's metal. But it *will* go slack eventually. But all these engine are too new for one to have needed to be done yet.

Best looking at the manual TBH.

[Jo Rogers]

Thanks for your help......

[snellgrove]

From what i've heard you dont change timing chains - ever.

Chances are it'll be slack enough that the engine will go pop ...but I bet the mileage would be high enough that 1) you wont own the car anymore, and 2) the engine will be a bit crap by then

:)

[Black Knight]

It is a change and the mileage should be pretty high before it needs changing (100,000+ miles)

It's an absolute B*tch to change it though.

You need to:

Drain the Coolant system

Remove the auxillary belt

Remove the Engine Damper Pulley

Remove the Tensioning thingy for the auxillary belt

Remove the Tensioning thingy for the chain

Get some support under the engine

Remove the engine mounting bracket (Which bolts through the chain cover into the block)

Take the head cover off

Take the cover for the chain off (which will also take the water pump with it hence having to drain the coolant)

Take the timing gear apart to give you the slack in the chain to get it off

Replace the chain and get all of that lot together again.