How do I know if my timing chain is loose?

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.

What happens when timing chain is loose?

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. There is a rattling sound.

What does a loose timing chain feel like?

Rattling Sound on Starting the Engine or Idling

A common finding in a vehicle with a bad timing chain is unusual rattling noise when the engine is started or when brakes are engaged. It happens due to the loose or stretched timing chain that shakes and rattles while rotating when the engine motor is running.

How do you know if your 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.

Can you drive a car with a loose 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.

How To Check Timing Chain Slack -EricTheCarGuy

What is timing chain noise?

Timing chain noise is commonly most noticeable during cold startup of the vehicle when oil pressure and oil flow is at its lowest. Excess slack in the timing chain can cause a rattling sound or even a clanking sound if the slack is severe enough to cause the chain to contact the timing chain cover.

Can you tighten a timing chain?

Rotate the eccentric to tighten or loosen the 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.

Can a loose timing chain cause no start?

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.

How do you know if your timing chain tensioner is bad?

Can I drive my car 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.

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.

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. If you want to DIY a timing chain replacement, the parts will cost around $650.

Will engine light come on if timing chain is bad?

a stretched timing chain will hurt engine performance and increase emissions. if this happens, the computer will turn on the check engine light and store a diagnostic trouble code.

Does timing belt give warning?

The timing belt can fail without any prior symptoms, so if you're within the mileage window, you should go ahead and have it replaced regardless. That being said, sometimes your car will give you a bit of warning that the belt is wearing out.

What does a loose timing belt sound like?

Generally, a timing belt that goes bad makes a noticeable ticking or clicking timing belt sound that is unusual. When the timing belt starts falling the ticking or clicking sound becomes pretty audible.

What causes 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.

What does a car sound like with a broken timing belt?

If you hear a strange ticking sound coming from inside the engine, then stop the car immediately. After stopping, open the bonnet safely and, paying attention to the hot parts of the engine, visually check the condition of the belt.

What is the code for a bad timing chain?

Causes of Code P0017

While older vehicles almost always had a single cause of a code P0017, newer vehicles could pop this code for various reasons. If your vehicle does not have a variable timing system, it's likely that the engine timing is off or that you have a worn or broken timing chain/belt.

How do you know if a timing chain needs to be replaced?

Can I change timing chain myself?

And just like any other car parts, changing a timing chain is required. But you can do the job all by yourself if you have the right tools, some mechanical know-how, and a service manual.

What is the rattling sound when I accelerate?

You usually hear this noise when accelerating the vehicle. Most people call this a pinging or rattling sound. This noise is caused by an air/fuel mixture in the engine cylinder being ignited prematurely by the heat of compression as the piston is moving up on the compression stroke.

How long will a stretched timing chain last?

However, it should last well over 100,000 miles. On some occasions, timing chains tend to stretch or break over time, so if your car is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, then it could need a new one: Poor engine performance.

How many labor hours 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.