What controls the timing chain?
The timing chain controls when the intake and exhaust valves open in relation to the position of the crankshaft by turning the camshaft at a precise rate. The timing chain maintains this synchronization between the crank and camshaft as it transmits the rotation of the crankshaft to the camshaft.
How does the timing chain work in an engine?
The timing chain or timing belt (sometimes called a cambelt) is an essential part of every internal combustion engine. Sometimes the job is done by a system of gears instead but there has to be some method of synchronizing the crankshaft rotation with the camshaft(s). This makes the valves of the engine open and close at the right time.
What are the bright links on a timing chain?
Locate marks or “bright” links in your timing chain. These links are brighter than the other links and are used to align your engine. Set your engine to top dead center. To get your engine to top dead center, line the bright links on the timing chain up with the marks on your camshaft and crankshaft gears.
What are the symptoms of a failing timing chain?
You may also notice that the engine is running poorly and when you try to accelerate, you lack power. This is something that you need to get looked at right away. If the chain is stretched it is probably quite badly damaged and will need to be replaced soon.
What does it mean when your timing chain rattles?
However, when a timing chain is working its way loose, it causes vibration inside and this sounds like a rattling noise when the engine is idling. A rattle always indicates that something is loose and should always be investigated.
Locate marks or “bright” links in your timing chain. These links are brighter than the other links and are used to align your engine. Set your engine to top dead center. To get your engine to top dead center, line the bright links on the timing chain up with the marks on your camshaft and crankshaft gears.
What are the signs of a timing chain problem?
Whether the timing chain itself has stretched, or a tensioner isn’t doing its job, the result is the same. Here’s some tell-tale signs of a timing chain problem. You might might hear the engine rattle during startup or idling. This is likely the loose timing chain vibrating inside the motor.
Is the timing chain the same as the timing belt?
Since the inception of the internal combustion engine, one constant has remained – all of them have a timing chain or timing belt. Most higher-displacement engines have a timing chain as opposed to a timing belt.
Is there a timing chain under the hood of a Toyota?
When it comes to how Toyota manufacturers their vehicles, there is no either or when it comes to timing belts or timing chains. Some Toyotas do have timing belts under the hood while others do use timing chains.