Is timing chain necessary?
Although the timing chain doesn’t get as much attention as some other car parts, it is extremely important. If the timing chain fails, it can cause an array of problems—including catastrophic engine damage.
Can you drive without a timing chain?
The timing chain is an integral part of any engine, and without it, your vehicle is rendered useless. If the timing chain breaks while you are driving, serious damage to your vehicle’s engine is probable.
Why do you need a timing chain on your car?
The timing chain keeps the camshaft (s) and crankshaft in sync. For your car’s engine to run properly, the valves, which are operated by the camshaft, need to be timed with the movement of the pistons that connect to the crankshaft.
When to change timing chain or timing belt?
When this belt rotates, it does not produce much sound and is pretty quiet. Most of the car manufacturers advise changing these timing belts after 60,000 miles. In contrast, a timing chain is a metal chain that unites the crankshaft and camshaft to make them revolving in-sync.
Where do I find the timing chain information?
You can find this type of information in the service manual for your vehicle. In old-style pushrod engines, replacing the timing chain is a fairly easy task. No such luck if you have a modern front-wheel drive car with a transversely-mounted engine, as the space in the engine compartment could be very tight.
What happens if your timing chain is sloppy?
That means a sloppy timing chain can have a dramatic effect on other parts of the engine. A timing chain also acts as a vibration damper. It absorbs a certain amount of crankshaft vibration and shock before it is transmitted to the camshaft. This vibration can shorten the life of an OE-style timing chain.
When do you need to replace a timing chain?
With an interference engine, the internals of your engine can collide if the timing chain breaks which means that your engine will need to be replaced. If you have a non-interference engine it’s not as big of a deal to drive around with a bad timing chain.
What kind of chain is a timing chain made of?
A timing chain is made of metal, similar to a bicycle chain. A timing chain runs inside the engine, as it needs to be lubricated by the engine oil.
What happens if your timing chain breaks while driving?
The timing chain is an integral part of any engine, and without it, your vehicle is rendered useless. If the timing chain breaks while you are driving, serious damage to your vehicle’s engine is probable.
What causes extra load on the timing chain?
The wrong oil can cause extra load on the chain and the engine will not be properly lubricated. Each vehicle manufacturer specifies a minimum API oil service rating, a recommended viscosity, and often a specific oil.
What are the benefits of a new timing chain?
Timing belt or chain: Which is better?
- The longevity of the timing chain is its main strength.
- A timing chain does not require any maintenance, apart from carrying out a check after reaching 125,000 miles.
- Unlike the rubber that makes up the timing belt, the metal in the timing chain is resistant to temperature changes.
Why is the tightening of the timing chain important?
Too tight chain results in overloading of chain wheel and bearings, wear of rollers,links and bearings, cracking of links. Chain Tightness checking [small engines]: Turn the engine to slacken the longest free length of chain. At the middle of longest face length, pull the chain by hand away from the guide bar.
What is the function of a timing chain?
Timing Chain Function. A timing chain is a part of your engine that has direct control of the timing of the upper and lower parts. The belt or chain transfers the rotation of the crankshaft to the camshaft.
How much does it cost to repair a timing chain?
The cost of replacing your vehicle’s timing chain belt, as with almost any car repair, will depend on the vehicle you drive, your geographical location and the professional mechanic you hire. From our research, the total replacement costs, when hiring a professional, can range anywhere from $550 to more than $2,100+.
How many hours does it take to change timing chains?
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Timing Chain? The timing chain replacement cost is higher than many other auto repair jobs in large part because of how long it takes to put a new timing chain into place. Oftentimes, it’s going to take a mechanic between 4 and 6 hours to complete a timing chain replacement job from start to finish.
What is purpose of timing chain?
A timing chain is the link between the crankshaft and the camshaft that transmits the rotation of the crankshaft to the camshaft, which then causes the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves within an engine.