Why is my timing chain making a noise?
This noise is often caused by a loose timing chain that may be due to a faulty timing chain tensioner, guide or other issues. More serious problems will start to arise if you ignore the early signs so make sure to give the timing chain a check as soon as you hear a noise coming from its mounting location.
When did timing chains start to be used in cars?
Timing chains were the norm for cars produced in the 1970s and 1980s but then timing belts took over. However, they have been more widely used in recent years as they are more durable than timing belts.
What do you do when your timing chain rattles?
Don an automotive stethoscope and place the probe on the top or side of the timing chain cover. If you hear a rattle, metal to metal slapping or scraping coming from inside the cover, it indicates a timing chain noise.
What happens when the timing chain is stretched?
When the timing chain is stretched, it makes the engine perform poorly and so the engine emissions are increased. This triggers the engine light to come on. A qualified mechanic will be able to use special software to detect a stored diagnostic trouble code.
This noise is often caused by a loose timing chain that may be due to a faulty timing chain tensioner, guide or other issues. More serious problems will start to arise if you ignore the early signs so make sure to give the timing chain a check as soon as you hear a noise coming from its mounting location.
What to do if your timing chain rattles?
To prevent the timing chain from rattling over that long distance, they incorporated plastic guides and sometimes even hydraulic tensioning devices to keep the chain at a constant tension. When new, the tensioner and guides work well to keep chain noise to a minimum.
When to replace the timing chain on your car?
If you ever start having timing chain issues, one of the first symptoms you’ll notice is noise. As the timing chain moves, it will generate a noise which may become intolerable as time goes on. The solution may be to replace the timing chain, depending on what the actual cause of the noise is.
What are the symptoms of a stretched timing chain?
Stretched timing chain symptoms 1 Noise. Timing chain noise is most noticeable on cold startup when oil pressure and flow is at its lowest. 2 Rough idle. 3 Check engine light. 4 Metallic debris in the oil. 5 Cold starts and short trips. 6 Stop and go driving. 7 Heavy loads.