The timing chain is used each time you use the engine. When should a timing chain be changed? Unless there is a specific issue, the timing chain typically needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. In automobiles with higher mileage, chain problems are frequent.
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How can I tell if I need to replace my timing chain?
The engine stalls out. An engine misfire might result from a stretched timing chain that has lost its integrity, skipping a gear and losing the required coordination. Misfires that occur frequently may be a sign of a timing chain problem and should be looked into. A rattling sound can be heard.
What happens if the timing chain isn’t replaced?
Timing chains are made of metal, which makes them less likely to break, but occasionally it does. If the timing chain breaks and you don’t repair it, the engine could be totally wrecked. The majority of modern engines are “interference engines,” which means that the pistons and valves both move in and out of the same cylinder space.
A broken timing chain can result in a valve slamming into a cylinder head because it is a component of the timing system that ensures that the valves are out of the way as the piston ascends the cylinder chamber. As you may expect, this will necessitate a complete rebuild of the engine.
A timing chain should last for how many miles?
When should a timing chain be changed? Unless there is a specific issue, the timing chain typically needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. In automobiles with higher mileage, chain problems are frequent.
How much does it typically cost to replace a timing chain?
Timing chain replacement might cost between $600 and $800 to do it yourself or $1,600 to $1,800 to have a technician do it. Due to how difficult it is to replace this element, the price is exorbitant. The parts for a DIY timing chain replacement will run you about $650.
Should the timing chain or the engine be replaced?
My Hyundai Sonata from 2008 has a timing chain installed. The car’s mileage is getting close to 100,000. Since it is a timing chain rather of a rubber timing belt, I was wondering if I should replace it right away or wait. I inquire around and get a variety of responses. Some people tell me horror stories about timing chains breaking and the subsequent expensive repairs, while others insist that the chain should last the entire life of the engine. Could you please offer some advice?
A: In general, a timing chain should last the lifespan of an engine if the oil was changed routinely and the engine has a timing chain. Although typically there will be some engine noise or poor performance prior to the chain failing, timing chains can fail prematurely if the tensioners that retain and guide the chain fail.
My Toyota’s speedometer ranges from 1 to 140 mph. Is it possible for my 2010 Toyota Matrix to approach 140 mph? Additionally, if there was more room between 30 and 60 miles per hour, it would be easier for me to maintain a speed near to the limit. What I really want to know is why automakers do this.
A regulation requiring speedometers to only display speeds up to 85 mph was passed back in 1979 in an effort to curtail the practice of speeding. A few years later, the law was repealed. According to me, the sole purpose of how speedometers display information is for marketing purposes. The majority of cars actually have speed limiters, in part because most sedans and minivans have tires that are not designed for speeds exceeding 118 mph, despite the fact that their speedometers register 160 mph.
My 2010 Honda Odyssey’s check engine light has been illuminated. The fuel tank has a rust issue, according to our mechanic. The repair cost was estimated to be between $800 and $1,200. The car has 160,000 miles on it, normally runs fine, and gets approximately 20 mpg combined. It need air conditioner and timing belt repairs within the previous year. When does it make sense to simply purchase new? What percentage of trade-in value is considered “not much”? I’m merely looking for the best solution.
A 2007 Buick Lucerne that I purchased brand new receives routine maintenance at the dealership every three to four months. It now has 48,000 miles on it and appears to run flawlessly. Is it safe to travel from Boston to Chicago with a ten-year-old automobile and back without having any concerns?
A: The journey will take you around 2,000 miles, and I’m confident you’ve already covered that distance safely. I would advise having the tires properly inflated and checked for wear and damage, the fluids checked and topped off, if necessary, and the battery status evaluated prior to the trip. A competent technician will also identify any further potential issues at this time. The likelihood of issues on the road should be reduced as a result.
How long do Toyota’s timing belts last?
Although they can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s always a good idea to change them before that. The valves, pistons, and other internal engine components can sustain significant damage in the event of a belt failure.
How is a timing chain checked?
The camshaft’s location in reference to the intake lobe centerline moves backward as the timing chain ages. Because the primary trigger (breaking points or reluctor ring with electronic ignition) and distributor shaft position are controlled by the gear on the camshaft, these changes will also cause the ignition timing to be delayed.
A change in ignition timing without a corresponding shift in the location of the distributor housing is the first indication of an excessively slack timing chain. The most likely culprit, for instance, is slack in the timing chain if you set the timing at 10 before top dead center (BTDC) and the distributor hold-down is firm, but after a while the timing is now at 6 BTDC.
The ignition timing can then be simply reset to the correct specification, but you must remember that the chain has worn.
I’ve seen a lot of engines over the years that were thrown out because of a worn timing chain. Some of them had an irregular knocking sound that was mistaken for a rod bearing or a lack of power that was mistaken for an old engine. This is why it’s important to never assume the worst while troubleshooting any piece of equipment, especially an engine.
Remove all of the spark plugs and the distributor cap to properly assess the degree of timing chain wear. Turn the crankshaft at least two full revolutions backward of rotation with a wrench on the harmonic balancer bolt to release any slack in the timing chain.
Bring the timing mark on the harmonic balancer to top dead center (TDC) on the timing tab or pointer while continuing to rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise to its running rotation. Gently rotate the crankshaft in the right direction while having a helper keep an eye on the distributor rotor.
Stop immediately when the rotor tip begins to move! Read the time tab’s stretch information.
For instance, if the timing mark indicates that the rotor tip started moving 10 after TDC, the chain has 10 of stretch. You must plan time to install a new timing chain and gear set if the reading is greater than 4 to 5. Any reading above 5 is deemed excessive.
As a side note, because the engines were based on the gasoline counterparts, many early General Motor light-duty diesel engines used in pickup trucks stupidly used a timing chain in place of a gear train to drive the camshaft and the injection pump. It was normal for the chain to experience excessive strain over time because of the spinning pressure on it. The timing of the diesel injection pump is less forgiving than that of the gas engine’s distributor. The end consequence was a poorly performing engine, although few were aware that the timing chain wear was to blame.
What signs or symptoms point to timing chain issues?
symptoms of a defective timing chain
- When the engine is running or idles, there is a rattle. Unusual rattling noises when the engine is started or when the brakes are applied are a common sign that a timing chain in a car is damaged.
- Engine Misfire.
- Engine oil with contamination.
- Check Engine indicator.
- not being able to start the engine.
- Feb 18, 2021