What are the signs of a bad timing chain?
This article answers the question of how to tell if your timing chain is bad, what is a timing chain, and how a timing chain breaks.
Signs that your timing chain is bad:
1. Rattling sounds
A loose timing chain can cause a rattling sound when the engine heats up. It might come and go. This is a good indicator that you need a mechanic to check.
2. Your check engine light is on
This could be several things. See: Why is my check engine light on. You’ll want to make sure your timing chain isn’t broken or causing internal damage to the engine.
3. Multiple engine misfires
Once that timing chain is loose it will start to mess with the timing of your engine’s internal combustion chamber. A misfire can feel shaky on acceleration, and engine vibration. It can feel hesitant on acceleration. You’ll notice your car has worse gas mileage than usual.
4. Metal flakes or shavings in the oil pan.
If you change your oil and see metal flakes check your timing chain.
What is a timing chain?
A timing chain or timing belt is a chain that rotates over gears that open and close an engine’s valves in the internal combustion chamber. This chain looks similar to a bike chain. Like a bike chain, the metal gears can loosen and cause engine misfires as well as other problems if left unfixed.
What causes a timing chain to break?
Over time the wear and tear on a timing chain can cause it to loosen and lose its integrity. When this happens it can skip a gear and lead to engine misfires. Repeated misfires are an indication of a bad timing chain, you’ll want to get a mechanic to fix this before it breaks.
Warning: Make sure to change your oil when you get your timing chain fixed.
A bad-timing chain can leave traces of metal in your oil. This is from wear and tear and disintegration of the metal. Make sure your mechanic knows to check the engine and oil for metal to prevent major damage to the engine. This is also why it’s important to work with an auto repair shop and auto mechanic near you that you trust. You’ll want someone who knows what to look for to make sure your engine isn’t broken.