SIGNS OF BAD TIMING CHAIN HOW TO

This is because oil is responsible for lubricating and cooling the motor, and it also helps to remove contaminants from the engine.

Keeping the engine oil fresh and topped up is one of the best ways to extend the life of your engine. Below are a few tips to help you keep your timing chain in good shape.

The best way to avoid having to replace your timing chain is to prevent it from going bad in the first place.

SIGNS OF BAD TIMING CHAIN HOW TO

Read: What Does The Service Engine Soon Light In My Car Mean? How To Keep Your Timing Chain in Good Shape? If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. These are just a few of the most common symptoms of a bad or failing timing chain. If this happens, your engine will not be able to start or run properly. This is usually because the timing chain is so loose that it jumps a tooth on the sprocket, causing the engine to be out of time. In some cases, a failing timing chain can prevent the engine from starting. Over time, this can lead to increased wear and tear on the engine and, eventually, decreased fuel economy. That’s because the engine will have to work harder to compensate for the misfiring cylinders. Decreased Fuel EconomyĪ timing chain that is not functioning correctly can also lead to decreased fuel economy. This will result in an engine misfire and can potentially damage the valves. If the timing chain is loose or damaged, it can cause the valves to open and close at the wrong time. Several things can cause engine misfires, but a failing timing chain is one of the most common causes. The noise from a bad timing chain will be more of a rattling noise, and it will be pronounced when the engine is idling. It will sound like a knocking or tapping noise and will be more pronounced when the engine is under load (accelerating, going up a hill, etc.). Most people often confuse timing chain noise with an engine knock, but there is a way to tell the difference.Īn engine knock is usually caused by a problem with the pistons or connecting rods. The Difference Between an Engine Knock and Timing Chain Noise The rattling may go away after the engine has warmed up, but it will come back once the engine is turned off and allowed to cool down again. Usually, this noise will be most pronounced when the engine starts. One of the most common symptoms of a bad or failing timing chain is engine noise. Read: How Much Does It Cost To Rebuild an Engine? Engine Noise When the timing chain decides to call it quits, there are a few symptoms that will let you know something is wrong:īelow I will explain each of these symptoms in more depth. Serpentine Belt Failing or Damaged Timing Chain Symptoms In fact, there are a few common issues that may occur. Still, that does not mean that the timing chain is immune to problems. The chain is much more durable than the belt and can last the engine’s lifetime, whereas the timing belt needs to be replaced every 50,000 miles or so. The timing belt is made of rubber and looks like a giant serpentine belt. It is also worth noting that some cars come with a timing belt instead of a chain. This cover protects the timing chain from debris and oil leaks. The timing chain is tucked away in the engine’s timing cover, which is usually made of plastic or metal. It does this by rotating the camshaft at half the speed of the crankshaft. The timing chain’s job is to make sure that the valves open and close at the right time. The crankshaft is the shaft that the pistons connect to, and the camshaft is the shaft that opens and closes the valves. The timing chain is a metal chain that connects the crankshaft to the camshaft in an engine.

Signs of bad timing chain