What causes an engine timing chain to fail?
Over time the hard plastic portion of the guide that the timing chain rubs against wears very thin and breaks away. In some cases these broken pieces of guide get caught in the engine timing chain set causing the chain to jump and put the engine components out of time. This results in a massive engine failure and a very hefty repair bill.
What do you need to know about timing chain noise?
In addition to getting your oil changes regularly, you need to use the right kind of oil in your engine too. Check the owner’s manual of your vehicle and see which oil grade and viscosity your manufacturer recommends. You should also choose an oil which has anti-wear additives too.
Can a faulty timing chain make your car shake?
A faulty timing chain (also known as a belt) can cause your car to make this noise. A car with a failing timing chain will rarely be quiet. It may rattle and shake as you are driving down the road. The timing chain is a very important part of your car’s engine and a noisy belt should never be ignored.
Where is the timing chain guide on a Mitsubishi engine?
This particular engine incorporates a timing chain guide at the top of the timing chain in the cylinder head. The guide is so designed to dampen the noise from the timing chain when the engine is running. Over time the hard plastic portion of the guide that the timing chain rubs against wears very thin and breaks away.
What causes a problem with the timing chain?
Timing chain problems can appear as noise or engine performance issue, or both. Whether the symptom is noise or engine performance the root cause is always caused by the timing chain tensioner, guides or a worn and elongate chain.
What kind of noise does timing belt make?
One noise we read about is a ‘swooshing sound’ likened to that of a washing machine. Timing Belts Contentious Subject – when to change ? Back to shopping for second hand cars “has the belt been changed” question is coming up on higher mile cars.
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.
Why are the timing chains on my Nissan Juke so weak?
Some have suggested that a manufacturing defect created timing chains with sharper edges that rapidly saw through their guides. Others say the chains are weak and prone to stretching. In May 2014, Nissan issued a timing chain service campaign for 104,000 JUKE subcompacts.