Timing chain replacement?

Tiny
YAZIDAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 258,000 MILES
Hi,
I am planning to replace the timing chain, guides and tensioner. I never used gasket sealant as a gasket in my life. The manual says use a thickness of between 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Does it sound right? What I am worried about is that if I use a lot the sealant squeezes inside the timing cover and clog oil passages and/or radiator. In the other hand if I do not use enough, it will be leaks. What is the right way to use sealant?
Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 AT 6:07 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,356 POSTS
Yep, that is a good worry. But the 3.5 to 4.5 mm is a good thickness for the sealant, (two to three stacked credit cards) make sure not to put too much and let it dry overnight before starting the engine, this will make sure it does not end up down in the oil pan and clog the oil pump pick up.
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Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
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Hi,
small problem I cannot remove the crankshaft pulley bolt. I used an impact. Any suggestions?
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Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would use a 1/2 or 3/4 drive impact, (the big dog). That is the best way.
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Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
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Yes I used a 1/2 in impact .when I used an impact socket the bolt did not come out. however, I used a deep chromed socket it came out right the way.
what I noticed is that oil came out and stopped from the crankshaft threads where the bolt screw in. it's where the Q tip is. see picture please.is it normal ? same as what happened here in this video start watching at 1:50 mark
https://youtu.be/OBVHMHaoqPY?si=DLLk2WqwGxKVGGbZ
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Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, the oil coming out from the threads is normal. This is why they use sealant at the bolt head face to stop leaks.
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Monday, June 23rd, 2025 AT 9:00 AM
Tiny
YAZIDAN
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  • 132 POSTS
Updates.
Before I remove the timing chain. When I aligned the two cams the mark of the crankshaft pulley was between 10 and 0. It is supposed to be at 0. What it means?
When I removed the timing chain. I compared the old one with the new one. Both of them are the same length. However, the two-timing chain guides have deep two grooves.
I can see them and feel them with my finger. I bought Aisin timing chain and guides. I know that I need to replace the guides. But do I need to replace the timing chain or reuse the old one.
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Monday, June 23rd, 2025 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would use the new one.
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Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
YAZIDAN
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  • 132 POSTS
Hi,
how to torque the crankshaft bolt without letting the pulley turn?
Also do I need to put sealant on the threads of the bolt or on the washer?
What kind a sealant silicone?
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Thursday, June 26th, 2025 AT 2:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, I would clean the surfaces off and use silicone sealant on the threads and the rear bolt head face as well. They make a special tool to hold the balancer. Here is what it looks like, see if it will work.

https://amzn.to/4enDgVz

Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, June 26th, 2025 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
YAZIDAN
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Okay,
Also, what I noticed is that when cylinder 1 is on top dead center the chain is tight. Otherwise, it is not. Note that a new ratcheting hydraulic tensioner is installed but I did not start the car yet.
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Thursday, June 26th, 2025 AT 5:55 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Did you pull the pin on the new tensioner to activate it?
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Friday, June 27th, 2025 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
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There is no pin. It's an external tensioner. This is the old one. It extend by itself when I rotate engine by hand.
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Friday, June 27th, 2025 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, this looks like it has a catch/stay for the plunger, please looks at the image below to see what I am talking about. Can you release this?
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Saturday, June 28th, 2025 AT 10:28 AM
Tiny
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When the plunger gets pushed slightly back. Gravity releases the hook and the plunger extends. I believe the plunger is extended. I started the car a drove it. Sounds good but I see a drip of engine oil on the power steering pump. I don't know if I put enough sealant between the head and the block.
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Saturday, June 28th, 2025 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, it will leak if the surfaces are not sealed correctly. You might need to redo the gaskets, glad to hear it is running good though.
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Sunday, June 29th, 2025 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
YAZIDAN
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I cleaned the surfaces very well. Even I did a last wipe with Acetone. I used Aisin gasket maker which the cover needs to be installed within 15 minutes but I had to install the timing cover within 15 minutes. I think I was thinking about the 15 minutes and got stressed and did not put enough sealant. Do you know any other gasket maker which seals good and gives me more than 15 minutes to install the timing cover?
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Sunday, June 29th, 2025 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I use black RTV, it will give you more time to get the cover in place.
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Monday, June 30th, 2025 AT 10:06 AM

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