Timing chain or timing belt?
 

Do any of you know how to check without actually removing the valve cover? I'm trying to figure out if I need to worry about replacing the timing drive in my '94 Toyota Corrola, every where I look says it could be either or, or I'm reading the catalogs wrong.

So any thoughts, or should I just get over it and pull the blasted valve covers?

I'd guess belt but would take the VIN to a dealer to be certain.

ummm how about some details about the car....like which engine, manual or automatic etc.

Good point cj, sorry about that

1994 Toyota Corrola
1.8L V4
Automatic, 4-speed I believe
Original engine
Front-wheel drive

partsamerica.com shows a timing belt for that particular engine, and does not show a timing chain. Based on that I'd say it has a belt.

Buy yourself a Factory service manual. They cost about up to $100 but it will tell you how to change it yourself, and with that manual it will make it a breeze.

Look on ebay, you can usually pick up a repair manual for $20 or less.

Where'd that "v" in the engine description come from?

yes, its likely a belt, and you dont need to take off the valve cover (typically) to see that. there should be a plastic cover that covers the timing belt separately.

heheh, maybe its a new engine design!

It is defiantely a belt. I had a '94 'rolla with a 1.8l DOHC straight 4cyl. and when I replaced it, it was definatly a belt.