{"id":321,"date":"2021-06-01T20:49:06","date_gmt":"2021-06-01T20:49:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bmtech.com.au\/when-is-a-timing-chain-out-of-step\/"},"modified":"2021-06-01T20:49:06","modified_gmt":"2021-06-01T20:49:06","slug":"when-is-a-timing-chain-out-of-step","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bmtech.com.au\/when-is-a-timing-chain-out-of-step\/","title":{"rendered":"When Is a Timing Chain Out of Step?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
If your engine were an orchestra, the timing chain would be the conductor. Opening and closing valves, moving pistons, connecting rods \u2013 all of this must happen at a given time and in a given sequence. Without the timing chain, you simply aren\u2019t going anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serving the same function as a timing belt (which most people would be more familiar with) which sits on the outside of the engine within its own casing, a timing chain actually sits within the engine itself. This is because it\u2019s constructed from metal and needs the lubrication provided by engine oil. It looks much like a bike chain and is attached to a set of gears and pulleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The advantage of a timing chain over a timing belt is that it\u2019s designed to last a lifetime \u2013 it should never need to be replaced. Of course, this is assuming correct and consistent maintenance of the vehicle, which \u2013 believe us \u2013 is rare. If it isn\u2019t functioning at its best, or has failed entirely, other major components of the engine will suffer too. It\u2019s worthwhile, therefore, knowing the signs of a failing timing chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s take a look at what they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your ears are the best diagnostic tool at your disposal to pick up on potential issues with your car. Like a mother picking out her newborn\u2019s mewl in the maternity ward, we instinctively recognise the particular thrum of our engine (a slight exaggeration, perhaps). Point is, you don\u2019t have to be a mechanic or a petrol head to notice an odd noise emanating from your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A loose or poorly functioning timing chain might be signalled by an odd vibration or rattling noise coming from the front of the engine. The silver lining of this issue is that it probably won\u2019t be broken but maybe just a little loose and in need of a repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In any case, whenever your car sounds different, get it checked. Ten times out of ten, there\u2019s an issue that needs to be attended to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re familiar with the note of our cars and we\u2019re also familiar with their performance. If you notice excessive engine oil consumption or poor oil pressure, it could indicate an issue with the timing chain. If you\u2019re visiting the bowser more than usual, that could also indicate something is amiss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Misfiring, too, is a common indication of an unhealthy timing chain. If you find your car is stuttering or jerking, it could be because the timing chain has stretched with time and is now skipping a gear on the cam or crank shaft. If it’s stretched it is in danger of breaking and, when that happens, it may be more than the chain that needs replacing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whenever your car behaves oddly, it\u2019s trying to tell you that something is wrong. Get it checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is one your mechanic is more likely to pick up on. Engine oil degrades over time due to heat and natural solvents found in petrol. If it stops lubricating the engine properly, the timing chain can wear. When this happens, little pieces might start breaking off as it rubs up against other metal components within the engine and find their way into the oil pan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your mechanic detects metal shavings in the oil pan, the timing chain will most certainly have to be inspected for wear. If it is the culprit, it will have to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To avoid issues with the timing chain, make sure that your car is maintained regularly. The best thing for timing chains is good quality, fresh oil, more often. That\u2019s right, change the oil more often like halfway between what the manufacturer states. We seriously cannot overstate how important engine oil is<\/a> to just about every component that allows your vehicle to function.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If your engine were an orchestra, the timing chain would be the conductor. Opening and closing valves, moving pistons, connecting rods \u2013 all of this must happen at a given time and in a given sequence. Without the timing chain, you simply aren\u2019t going anywhere. Serving the same function as a timing belt (which most […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":322,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["entry","author-relacion-manager","post-321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-general"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n