Hey, just got my tr back and it has a noisy timing chain, with the amount of these cars i've seen with the same problem i'm guessing someone on here has had it, will just changing the chain fix it? or is it loose because a tensioner is dead?

cheers, dan

could be a number of things. but in MOST cases its the tensioner on the balance chain that has shat itself.
you can:
replace the lot
or
eliminate the balance chain and shafts

i used the elimination kit and it made a big difference. the biggest difference was made when i started to use a 5W oil... its never been quiter

chain layout

I just had the same with my 94 2.6 TR. I changed the timing chain as had 1/4" play in it and was very noisey. When started there was no chain noise but stil sounded like a bag of nails. We stripped down again and looked at the balance staft, it was worn out. The bearing inside the engine was so worn it had come out and was found in the sump. This meant there was massive play in the shaft at the end. I got a balance shaft elimination kit form Burson for $35 and problem fixed. Engine is now nice and quiet. Timimg is a little out as hunting on revs, but very minor and slight smoking. Car is a better drive now thou and I would ceratinly recommend it. I have noticed several people saying you have to take the engine out to do the chain and kit. We did not, it was a pain in the **** but meant that job was done over 2 nights (8 hours). The hardest part was getting the aircon and engine mounts off. A little help from the car jack and a big bar sorted them out.

There are two tensioners on the balance shaft chain. a spring-loaded tensioner operated by oil pressure, and a 'mechanical' (for want of a better word) tensioner that is actually a guide. On the timing case, you will find sort of oval-shaped opening through which you can access this tensioner. there's a certain tool that is needed to tighten this. it may just be that the chain has stretched slightly and is moving around inside the timing case. doing this may rectofy the problem.

ELSE, it's probably time to swap the chain kit which can be bought for between $80-$120 and isnt hard to fit:)

what happens to motor when you take the balance shafts out. i guess for one you would gain a little more power and economy.

nothing happens..... you reduce the need for changing the timing and balance shaft chains
the kit to do this is cheap but you have t0 use a TP motors oil pump to do the elimination