When should the timing chain be replaced? What is a Timing Chain? What are the signs to replace the camshaft chains? What happens if your timing chain fails?
What is a Timing Chain and How Does It Work?
The timing chain is also known as the timing chain or cam chain. It keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in line. Camshaft-driven valves and crankshaft driven pistons must be correctly timed to allow your vehicle’s engine run smoothly. This synchronization is provided by the timing chain. It activates other components, such as the water pump or balance shaft depending on the vehicle’s engine characteristics. Some vehicles use timing belts in place of chains.
When should the Timing Chain be replaced?
It is a well-known fact that the timing belt should not be worn more than the recommended service intervals. High quality rubber makes the timing belt a toothed, rubber-covered belt. The cover protects the engine and covers it. It can travel between 60,000 and 120,000 km, depending on the vehicle. Every 4-5 years, it needs to be replaced. It is relatively less expensive than the chain in terms of labor and parts.
What about the timing chains?
The timing chain is made out of steel and looks similar to a bike chain. It is required to be lubricated by engine oil so it can work inside the engine. It does not have to be replaced unless there is an issue with the timing chain. It is intended to last for the lifetime of your vehicle. But, this is not always true. It should be written in the service manual of the manufacturer.
Timing chains are not guaranteed to last forever. It wears out and stretches over time, and if it isn’t replaced, it can break and cause high-cost engine repairs. It can also be damaged by improper viscosity, low oil levels, or poor quality oils. This causes rapid wear and prolongation of the timing chains. The job is typically secured by changing between 120,000 and 150,000km. It is recommended to make a change between
Chain-related issues are quite common in high-mileage vehicles. You can determine if it is time for a new chain with some knowledge of your engine. You can also consult your mechanic.
How can you tell when the timing chain changes?
Timing chain wear can cause engine power to decrease, fuel consumption to increase, engine stalling, and difficulty in starting the vehicle. When the engine is idling, vibrations are more noticeable. The chain length can affect whether the engine will start or not. The engine fault lamp is also on. As the chain wears down, it becomes longer, and ignition timing is affected. The chain will make noises such as rattling and humming when it is stretched. Neglecting to listen to the warning signs can lead to serious problems. If you are given one of these warnings, it is important to change the chain.
If the timing chains are worn, the tensioner along with the guides of the chain drive system is replaced. Many cars have several chains, some even more. Often all three are replaced at once. The cost of replacing a chain depends on what vehicle model you have.
When starting the car when it’s cold, you will often hear chain noises. Because oil pressure and oil flow is at their lowest levels. A clicking or rattling sound will be produced if the chain is too loose to touch the cover. The engine may be equipped with a hydraulic timing chains tensioner. This will cause the sound to disappear or diminish as the engine oil warms and the tensioner takes out some of the slack. The tensioner cannot compensate for excessive wear or elongation of the chain and will continue making noises even when the engine heats up.
You can avoid timing chain problems by properly maintaining your engine and changing the engine oil at regular intervals. Genuine oil filters and premium quality oils will also be beneficial. The timing chain will be lubricated by ensuring that it is properly oiled. This is an important issue, considering that modern vehicles use less oil. A well-maintained engine will last 500,000 km before the timing chain wears out. or longer.
What happens if the Timing Chain is Broken?
The engine will stop working if the chain is broken. The engine will stop working if you drive the vehicle. You should immediately pull the vehicle off the road and take care. This happens with all internal combustion engines.
The type of engine that caused the damage will affect how severe it is. Non-interference engines have a piston movement distance that does not exceed the lowest point on the valve. This engine is safe to use. You can just stop if the chain breaks.
An interference engine, however, will make things more complicated. This engine uses pistons that reach the lowest part of the valve. Broken chains can result in a collision of the valves and piston heads. The situation can be saved if the chain breaks while the vehicle is idle. You can even replace the entire chain set. If the chain breaks while the vehicle is moving, it may be necessary to replace or completely overhaul the engine.
