What causes a timing belt to be ruined?

Timing belts can also be ruined by a leaking oil seal at the crankshaft, as the oil can soften the rubber and cause the teeth to tear and the belt to slip. How much money can I get for my dead car?

When do I need to change my timing belt?

In an “interference” engine the opposite is true, and it is imperative that you change the timing belt and check the tensioner at the proper intervals to avoid costly engine damage. Whether the engine is an interference design or not, if you buy a used car with no service history the timing belt should be on your short list of required maintenance.

What can cause a timing chain to fail?

The worst damage to a modern timing chain equipped OHC motor is typically caused by cracked plastic chain guides and tensioners contaminating the oil or getting caught in the chain; this is a particular worry with some Audi V6 motors, with multiple timing chains. Timing chains tend to give much more warning before they ultimately fail or jump time.

Where does the oil go in an engine Pan?

An oil pan is the hard plastic or thin metal compartment that serves as a reservoir and stores your vehicle’s oil at the bottom of the crankcase. Oil is pumped from the pan to provide vital lubrication to engine components and then returned. It is sometimes also referred to as an engine pan.

Why are the plastic guides on the timing chain so long?

Because the timing chains are so long, they are supported by plastic guides. The timing chain is kept tight by force from the hydraulic tensioners. With the proper lubrication and the right oil filter this works very well for a great many miles.

How does oil pressure affect the timing chain?

Because of the length of the chains, guides are needed to reduce movement. They also use a hydraulic tensioner to keep each chain tight. Oil pressure moves the tensioner which controls slack in the timing chains. These components rely heavily on proper lubrication from the engine’s oil.

Why are my tensioners not tightening my timing chain?

Problems begin when improper viscosity oil and substandard oil filters are used. With a substandard oil filter the engine oil may drain back to the oil pan when the engine is turned off. A lack of oil pressure means tensioners cannot immediately tighten the timing chains on startup.

What are the symptoms of a broken timing chain guide?

Symptoms of a broken timing chain guide can range from a rattle noise on startup (not always) to rough idle to a check engine light. This engine was fitted with the proper Motorcraft filter after the noise started. Unfortunately it was too late to prevent an expensive repair.