Where is the timing chain on a car?

The chain (sometimes referred to as a “belt”) is located in the car’s engine and controls the opening and closing of the exhaust and intake valves. The chain must be accurately aligned due to the fact that the piston must be synchronized completely with the valves.

What happens if you snap your timing belt?

Timing belts don’t often snap, but when they do, it can cause piston damage, ruined cylinder heads, and engine valve damage. Probably, when you think of your engine, you picture the valves and pistons, but you don’t think much about what keeps them in good working order. Let’s state it plainly – nothing is more important than the timing belt.

Can a broken timing belt cause bent valves?

Interference vs. non-interference engines. The level of damage caused by a broken timing belt can depend on the type of engine you have in your car. A non-interference engine provides clearance between the valves and pistons, so if the timing belt breaks, you might end up with bent valves, and you might have to have your cylinder heads rebuilt,…

Is the timing belt on a front wheel drive car?

The engine is arranged in a front wheel drive, transverse configuration, which is typical for many types of cars with timing belts of the era. The instructions will be similar on nearly any front wheel drive car with a timing belt. As always, exercise extreme caution when working on a car.

How often should I replace my timing belt?

You can do a visual check – see if there’s any cracking, glazing, missing teeth or oil contamination. Or you can have a mechanic check the belt for you. Most vehicle manufacturers also recommend that you make timing belt replacement a part of your routine maintenance, replacing it every 60,000 miles. Some belts are good for up to 100,000 miles.

What happens if a timing chain is misaligned?

If a timing chain is misaligned, it will significantly affect how the car runs. But if a timing chain is broke, the car will not run at all. Try to start your car. If your car breaks down while you are driving, or if you cannot start your car, there is a chance that your timing chain is broke.

What do you do when your timing chain rattles?

Don an automotive stethoscope and place the probe on the top or side of the timing chain cover. If you hear a rattle, metal to metal slapping or scraping coming from inside the cover, it indicates a timing chain noise.

What kind of chain is a timing belt made of?

A timing belt is a toothed belt made of high-quality rubber; it runs outside of the engine, covered by a protective cover. A timing chain is made of metal, similar to a bicycle chain.

Where do I find the timing chain information?

You can find this type of information in the service manual for your vehicle. In old-style pushrod engines, replacing the timing chain is a fairly easy task. No such luck if you have a modern front-wheel drive car with a transversely-mounted engine, as the space in the engine compartment could be very tight.

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.

How can I tell if my timing chain is stretched?

Move the stethoscope slowly over both valve covers. If all the rocker arms seem noisy, it points to a stretched timing chain. Determine if your vehicle has a single serpentine belt or individual belts running the separate components. Shut the engine off.

When to go to the Mechanic about a bad timing chain?

If the belt is jumping because it’s gotten loose, it can also flail around and damage other parts of the engine. If your engine won’t start or starts driving rough, indicating it may be on its way to failing, contact a certified mechanic for inspection and repairs. 4. Check Engine Light is on