OEM 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Timing Chain

2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the timing chain on 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder?

  A: You should start timing chain maintenance by draining engine coolant followed by the removal of 2 suspension bolts and engine under covers, drive belt and generator, drive belt idler, and bolts, and nuts. First set a jack located underneath the oil pan with a wooden board followed by the removal of 3 bolts and 3 nuts together with the right-hand engine mounting insulator. Remove the ignition coils and cylinder head cover by first disconnecting 2 PCV hoses and the noise filter and heated oxygen sensor (bank 1 sensor 1) connector before uninstalling 9 bolts, 2 nuts and 2 seal washers and disconnecting the engine wire to take off the cover together with its gasket. Set the No. 1 cylinder to TDC/compression when the crankshaft pulley groove points to timing mark 0 while ensuring the camshaft timing sprocket and VVT timing sprocket point marks align when you proceed by removing the oil dipstick and guide through bolt removal followed by disconnecting 2 connectors and wire bracket. Despite using Special Service Tools 09213-70011 and 09330-00021 it is possible that Special Service Tool 09950-50013 may be needed to remove the crankshaft pulley. Lowers should disassemble the drive belt tensioner and right-hand engine mounting bracket as well as the chain tensioner and water pump after unthreading 11 bolts and removing a nut along with carefully separating the timing chain cover to preserve contact surface integrity. Use great caution to hold the camshaft hexagonal head when uninstalling the sprockets. Also remove the crank angle sensor plate, chain tensioner slipper, timing chain and crankshaft timing sprocket and chain vibration damper. Vernier calipers should be used to check sprocket and timing chain elongation and diameter and inspect drive belt idler smoothness plus measure slipper and vibration damper wear in addition to inspecting the chain tensioner and its oil jet. The replacement of crankshaft front oil seal should be completed using tool 09309-37010 or 09308-10010 as required while the drive belt idler bearing needs tool 09950-60010, 09950-70010. When installing the parts position the camshaft timing sprocket along with VVT timing sprocket into their appropriate locations then set the No. 1 cylinder at TDC/compression and add the chain vibration damper and timing chain with crankshaft timing sprocket while maintaining correct sprocket mark alignment. Place the chain tensioner slipper and crank angle sensor plate onto their fixtures while using new O-rings and applying specified seal packing (Part No. 08826-00100 and 08826-00080). The right-hand engine mounting bracket with seal packing (Part No. 08826-00080) and drive belt tensioner should be installed along with crankshaft position sensor and crankshaft pulley using Special Service Tools: 09213-70011, 09330-00021 and chain tensioner. The technician sets the chain tension then inspects the valve timing before installing the oil dipstick together with guide and gasket along with cylinder head cover and ignition coils. The last steps include reinstalling the right-hand engine mounting insulator then reinforcing the sequence with the No. 2 cylinder head cover and drive belt idler and generator and drive belt before installing the engine under covers and suspension upper brace followed by filling engine coolant then starting the engine to test for coolant leaks.