Main Symptoms Of a Bad Timing Chain - The Engineering Tools

The timing chain is the main part of the car engine. Its operation is to synchronize the valves of the engine pistons for uniform working. There is a chance that it can be damaged by longer use. It is important you know the sign of a damaged timing chain that helps us to avoid engine damage.

In this post we will cover detailed features of a bad timing chain and its related factors. So let’s get started.

What Is a Timing Chain?

The timing chain is the main part of the car engine’s timing system. The main function is to make a connection between the camshaft and the crankshaft, resulting in synchronized valves and pistons.
It also provides accurate combustion of the engine. If you have a damaged or stretched timing chain, it can affect engine operations and cause damage.

Either timing chain can be damaged but they work longer than a timing belt.
But for longer uses, improper maintenance and other faults cause faulty timing chains.
So, on-time fault detection can avoid damage and reduce repair costs.

Types of Timing Chains

Read also:Basic Symptoms Of Bad Tie Rod End

There are different types of timing chains explained here.

Link Chains

This timing chain is created with accurate links that are of alloy steel design. They connected through pressed pins. Its other name is silent chain since it provides uniform operation.
If a sound exists during operation, it causes a bad timing chain.

Roller Chains

The design of a roller chain is like a bicycle chain. but it is a durable design and works longer. Single roller chain used for small engine capacity. The high-power engine uses a double chain.

Timing Chain Working

The working of the timing chain is on sprockets in circular shapes, like a conveyor belt.
Its motion occurs through high accuracy to open and close the valve synchronously.
that converted into high damage and the result of the timing chain breaking

Basic Symptoms of a Bad Timing Chain

Engine Rattling Noise

The most important sign of a a bad or failing timing chain is a rattling noise that occurs due to engine idling. If the timing chain is damaged or faulty, making a connection with other parts causes a rattling sound.
If the engine is causing noises, inspect the timing chain for faults.

Engine Misfires

Engine timing affected due to timing chain stretch or loose design. This fault causes misfires due to affecting the combustion process.
If the car is not working, the cause is a bad timing chain.

Sputtering

If you are facing sputtering at the time of acceleration, that means there is a chance of a faulty timing chain that has lost grip. A stretched timing chain causes a bad effect on engine timing, affecting working. Replace the engine if it faces sputtering in engine performance.

Warning lights illuminated

Advanced vehicles come with different warning lights, and if the timing chain is not working, the check engine lights will turn on. These lights also show different faults, so after scanning we can find that error due to the timing chain.
If not given importance, these faults can affect the engine working.

Engine not starting

A bad timing chain made it difficult to start the car, since the chain was not accurately aligned with engine parts that control the turning and uniform operation.
If you are facing difficulty starting the engine, it can be caused by a bad timing chain.

Read also: What are the symptoms of a bad engine control module

Contaminated Engine Oil

Due to timing chain wear, metallic particles in the engine oil. During the oil change, find small metallic components; that means the chain is faulty and needs replacement.
Contaminated oil affecting the timing chain also affects other engine parts.

Metal Shavings in Oil

During oil changes, inspect the drained oil and find metallic shavings; that means the timing chain has been affected. Due to chain wear, metallic components mix with oil, causing a gritty concoction. That material in the oil is a sign of a bad timing chain and needs replacement.

Causes of a Faulty Timing Chain

Engine oil has not been changed.

The main purpose of the engine is to lubricate different moving components of the engine. such as the timing chain and gears that are connected with it. If we do not change the oil at the proper time, it becomes affected and reduces the working of the timing chain.
With the passage of time, oil is affected by heat and detergents from gasoline that affect oil lubrication features.
Engine becomes thick and does not provide lubrication accurately. In results, timing chain affected by metal with metallic connection. in these conditions, it causes wear.

Heavy Loads on Vehicles

If you put high loads on vehicles, it causes more working load on the engine, resulting in the wearing of timing chains. It is seen towing heavy loads. More weight makes the engine difficult to move.
As a result, high stress is applied to the engine and timing chain. We also hear a rattling sound when high loads on the engine exist, normally because the chain is older.

improper engine oil

If the engine oil is not according to vehicle requirements, the engine will not work well. It is recommended to use oil according to vehicle demand.
For getting details about accurate engine oil? Check the vehicle manual and read details on the oil filler cap.
Engine oil rating is defined by weight, which is a measurement of viscosity.
0W20 is thin oil in summer and a 20-weight oil in winter. while 5W20 is like 5-weight oil in the summer and 20-weight oil in the winter.
Is the best user-recommended oil for getting the required performance

when is it needed to replace the timing chain?

Timing chain. Working life can be different, but normally they work for 80,000 to 120,000 miles; after that, they need replacement.
but discuss with the vehicle manufacturer’s manual and driving conditions before replacing the timing chain

Can we drive a car with a faulty timing chain?

It is not referred to or recommended to drive with a bad timing chain. If not given importance, a faulty sign can affect engine working.
If there is any fault with the timing chain, the best thing to do is to inspect and install a new timing chain.

Are there factors to extend the timing chain’s lifespan?

• The timing chain can be damaged with time, but proper maintenance, quality engine oil, and preventing high loads increase the timing chain’s working life.
Regular inspection also increases working life.

FAQ

Can a car move with a bad timing chain?

It is recommended to drive with a bad timing chain. Since the chain can break, the engine stops and the car does not drive.

Which factors help to check timing chain problems?

The main symptoms of a bad timing chain are

rattling noises of engine
• The check engine light is on.
engine misfires

What is the working life of the timing chain?

Normally a timing chain operates for 80,000 to 120,000 miles. So check the car at an auto workshop for timing chain replacement after the above-mentioned miles, and if you experience any error symptoms in the chain.

What noise does a bad timing chain cause?

A faulty timing chain causes rattling noise; if there is clattering noise, that means the chain can break, so repair it.

Conclusion

The timing chain is an important component in the engine; a damaged timing chain causes different faults and damage if not solved accurately. Different signs occur for bad timing chain changes, like misfires, engine noise, and rough idling, causing serious errors.

Proper inspection and maintenance increases the working life of the timing chain and helps the engine work smoothly. After finding faults, get services from a mechanic to avoid damage.