Can I drive with a stretched timing chain?

It's probably not immediately "dangerous" to drive with an elongated chain, but if it gets elongated enough, it will lose tension, start to "slap", and may break the plastic cam chain guides or jump a tooth on one of the sprockets, which may cause catastrophic engine damage.

How long can a stretched timing chain last?

When does a timing chain need to be replaced? The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles unless there is a specific problem. Issues with the chain are common in higher mileage vehicles.

Can you drive a car with bad timing chain?

Can one drive a car with a bad timing chain? It is pretty bad to drive with a faulty timing chain, as it could cause serious damages to the vehicle's engine. In worst cases, the car may stop suddenly on the highway, leaving you stranded and putting you at risk.

Is a stretched timing chain bad?

Once a timing chain is stretched and has lost its integrity, the chain may skip a gear and lose the necessary coordination leading to an engine misfire. Repeated misfires could indicate a timing chain issue and should be investigated.

What damage can a stretched timing chain do?

A timing chain is one of the integral components of an internal combustion engine, without which efficient vehicle operations are impossible. Its failure can result in extensive engine damage costing the owner a fortune in repairs.

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How do I stop my timing chain from stretching?

If you drive a T-GDI engine that's known to suffer from timing chain stretch, like the 3.5L EcoBoost, it's best practice to use a good synthetic oil, like AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, and a quality oil filter to help fight soot-induced timing-chain wear.

Is it worth fixing a timing chain?

A timing chain doesn't need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it. Is the timing chain immune to mechanical failures? The simple answer is No, it is not. Timing chain problems are not uncommon, especially in high-mileage vehicles.

What causes a timing chain to stretch?

The most common cause of timing chain stretch is lack of maintenance and regular oil changes. Worn out oil can no longer lubricate the chain and will cause the rollers and links to wear against each other.

Can you tighten a loose timing chain?

The timing chain should be loose enough to prevent binding and tight enough to keep from falling off. The chain should move about 1/2″ for the front and 1/4″ for the rear without using force. When you think the chain is adjusted, tighten the eccentric and rotate the cranks to see if there is a tight spot.

What does a stretched timing chain sound like?

When the timing chain is loose, it can cause a vibration in the motor resulting in a rattling noise as the engine idles or when starting. If you hear a rattle, it means something is loose and needs to be fixed before it breaks.

How much does it cost to fix a timing chain?

Timing chain replacement can cost between $600 and $800 for a DIY repair, or between $1,600 and $1,800 with a mechanic. The cost is high due to the complicated nature of replacing this part.

Will a broken timing chain destroy my engine?

A broken timing chain will cause an engine to not start or fail while driving. If the belt is already broken, the engine won't have enough compression to start. If it breaks or jumps while driving, the pistons will be damaged from contact with the valves. The valves themselves will bend and potentially ruin the engine.

Will thicker oil stop timing chain noise?

Its cost around 1000 to 1500 to fix a timing chain. You could try using a thicker oil like 10W40 to reduce the noise.

Does timing chain affect acceleration?

The engine may also run poorly and lack accelerating power. If this situation occurs, it's likely the timing chain is damaged and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. If the timing chain breaks, the loose metal rolling around inside the motor can lead to serious engine damage.

Do you have to remove engine to replace timing chain?

Some timing chains drive the water pump, too, and sometimes the engine must be removed to replace a timing chain. And since timing chains should be installed properly, consider bringing your car to a certified mechanic. There are a lot of other engine parts that must be removed before you even get to the timing chain!

How long does it take to replace a timing chain?

Overall, replacing the timing chain and its associated hardware should take a qualified mechanic 5 to 8 hours to complete.

How much does it cost to replace a timing chain tensioner?

Timing chain tensioner replacement cost ideas-

Typical costs may include Mechanic Repair Service and Car Parts cost. The average cost to replace timing chain tensioner is around US$1000 to US$1600. In which the service is around US$600 to US$1000 while aftermarket auto parts are estimated between US$450 and US$600.

How do I know if my timing chain is stretched?

Read the amount of stretch on the timing tab. For example, if the rotor tip began to move at 10° after TDC as measured at the timing mark, the chain has 10° of stretch. Any reading more than 4° to 5° is considered excessive and you need to schedule time to install a new timing chain and gear set.

Why do timing chains make a noise?

The most common cause of timing chain noise is when the timing chain is simply wearing out. All the wear and tear it incurs over the years will diminish its ability to function properly.

What happens if you don't change the timing chain?

If you don't replace the timing chain and it happens to break, then the engine can completely destroyed. Most engines today are “interference engines,” which means that the engine's valves move in and out of the same cylinder space as the pistons.

How long can you drive with a bad timing belt?

Can you drive with a broken timing belt? Your car cannot run with a broken timing belt. By the time the belt snaps, the damage is already done, and you will not be able to drive at all. You will need to have the vehicle towed to an auto repair workshop.

Which is better timing belt or chain?

A: Timing chains are stronger than timing belts. Timing chains also last longer. Timing belts are quieter than timing chains and are cheaper and easier to replace.