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Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

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Timing Chain or Timing Belt – How Your Car Works

December 8, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

The heart of your vehicle is the engine. Without an engine, your car simply won’t go.

Since the very first car, the engine has been vitally important to keeping your vehicle running. Over the years, the engine has been upgraded for precision to give you the smoothest ride possible in the most efficient way. To ensure this process, it requires timing, which uses a timing chain or timing belt to work with the camshaft and crankshaft to provide motion to the pistons and valves to produce synchronicity.

Both the timing chain and timing belt are used to produce the same result. Yet they are slightly different from one another.

What is timing?

Within the engine, you have a camshaft and a crankshaft. The camshaft controls the valves that let fuel and air in and out of the engine. The crankshaft moves the pistons up and down. This process involves mechanical timing, with the synchronicity of these two movements being imperative to the engine functioning. If the timing is off, it can damage any part within the two processes – the pistons, valves, or other components of the engine.

The purpose of the timing chain or timing belt is to make this process fluid. Either of these components is used to create harmonization at a precise rate.

Timing chain or timing belt – what’s the difference?

Timing Chain or Timing Belt - How Your Car WorksThe timing chain and timing belt function in the same way. The difference between the two is the material they are created from, and their location in the engine compartment.

Timing chains were introduced first in the production line. A timing chain is constructed of metal, and is housed within the engine compartment. It receives lubrication from engine oil, and with proper maintenance, can last for a lifetime.

Timing belts were introduced in the 1960s as we became more sophisticated with the materials we produced. Belts are made from a reinforced rubber, and are quieter and less expensive to produce. But because they are made from a softer, more flexible material, they do wear down over time, with manufacturers suggesting they be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Of course, modern technology keeps making improvements to the way we produce various components of a vehicle. Some manufacturers have returned to a timing chain because of the strength in metal, albeit more quiet and efficient than was used decades before.

There are strengths and weaknesses to both, so manufacturers select their final products based on the overall design of the vehicle.

The symptoms of a bad timing chain or timing belt

While a timing chain can last the lifetime of a vehicle, and a timing belt can last as long as 100,000 miles, it isn’t impossible for either component to fail. Before either completely fails, it will show warning signs along the way.

Engine misfire and poor performance

Over time, either the timing chain or timing belt can stretch, meaning it won’t be able to perform at its optimal level. As it tries to do its job, it can skip a gear on the camshaft or crankshaft as it moves as you drive. This causes the engine to fall out of calibration, and often results in an engine that misfire. You may also notice the engine jumps and runs poorly, or a lack of acceleration as you move forward down the road.

Ticking noise in the engine

The timing belt is attached by a series of pulleys that connect it to the camshaft and crankshaft. These pulleys are what help the camshaft and crankshaft function within the engine itself. As the timing belt wears down, it can produce a ticking noise in the motor due to the individual parts not being able to perform as designed.

An engine that won’t turn over

If the timing belt snaps, is broken, or no longer works, it also means your engine won’t have the neccesary power to turn over and run. When you turn the key or press the button, you’ll hear a clicking noise as the motor tries to engage. But since the timing belt is responsible for the operation of the camshaft and crankshaft, the engine won’t have a way to fully ignite.

An engine that suddenly fails

Over time, the timing belt can loosen to the point it becomes a risk underneath the hood. If it brakes while you’re driving, it snaps and begins to flail around. That’s when it has the potential for doing a lot of damage. The rubber can snap back and forth, damaging other parts such as the cylinder head hardware, including pushrods and valves. You’ll have no choice but to bring your car to a stop and have it towed into the shop.

You’ll notice metal shavings in the oil

If you’re performing regular maintenance on your vehicle, you’ll change out your motor oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Oil begins to separate over time as it continually heats up and cools, and is exposed to the solvents found in today’s gasoline. If the timing chain is wearing down, flecks of metal can break away and find their way into the oil pan. A mechanic watches for these signs as he changes the oil, and alerts you to the beginning of any potential problems.

You’ll notice an oil leak

Another common sign of a problem with a timing belt is an oil leak. Pay attention to any changes in and around your vehicle, even under the hood. If an oil stain starts appearing around the engine, it might be a timing belt issue. The timing belt cover is secured by nuts and bolts, which can work their way loose over time. This can allow oil to pool out and become noticeable around the engine compartment.

The check engine light is illuminated

The check engine light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, one of which can be a problem with the timing chain or timing belt. Because the check engine light can signal a variety of issues, it’s important to have a mechanic check it out as quickly as possible to prevent further stress to your vehicle.

Whether you suspect an issue with your timing chain or timing belt, or are just in need of a reputable mechanic who will change your oil regularly, we’re here for you. Give us a call today.

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Engine Tagged With: Timing Belt, Timing Chain

Timing Chain

January 7, 2019 by Denver Express Car Care

All engines have either a timing belt or a timing chain to synchronize the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves.  This keeps the engine running smoothly and efficiently.  If the timing is off, it may not even run at all.  Timing belts need to be replaced on schedule.  A broken or slipping timing belt could cause extensive engine damage.

Timing chains are being used more and more in modern engines.  They are more durable and usually don’t have a recommended replacement interval.  However, timing chains and their associated components do wear out over time.  The tensioner and guide rails can wear out, which causes the timing chain to be loose.  A tooth on a cam sprocket could break allowing the timing chain to slip.  You don’t want to wait for a complete failure ( and possible extensive damage) so it’s important to watch for the signs of impending failure.

You may notice sluggish performance, reduced fuel economy or difficulty starting when the timing chain system is worn.  You could hear a variety of noises:  rattle, rumble, whine, buzz, or whir coming from the engine.  If you experience any of these things, bring it to our attention and we’ll look into it.  If you do require a timing chain replacement, we’ll also replace all the other system wear components such as the tension and guide rails.

Although the timing chain does not require maintenance as we usually think of it, it does require constant lubrication.  The engine does this normally as it runs.  However, a low oil level or using a poor quality oil will keep the timing chain from being properly lubricated.  A timing chain can last a long time with regular oil changes using quality oil.  Regular oil changes are an easy way to lengthen the life of your timing chain, I bet we can all manage that.

 

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Engine Tagged With: Timing Chain

Timing Chain

July 10, 2017 by Denver Express Car Care

As your engine runs, the intake valves need to open up to allow air into the engine.  They remain closed while the air and fuel is compressed and ignited, powering the piston.  Then the exhaust valves open to release the exhaust.  This all has to be timed very precisely.  It is the job of the timing belt or chain to make sure all of this is synced up properly.

Timing belts are made of a very tough compound that can last for a long time.  Timing chains are made of metal and last for a very long time as well.  If your vehicle has a timing belt, your vehicle’s owner’s manual has a schedule for replacing the belt.  If your vehicle has a timing chain, there may not be a specified schedule for replacing it, but that doesn’t mean that the timing chain system is indestructible and never needs attention.

For example, the chain runs on sprockets on the crankshaft and the camshafts.  A broken tooth on a sprocket can cause the chain to slip.  When timing is off, even a little, your engine won’t run at all and could even be severely damaged.  There is also a tensioner that keeps appropriate pressure on the timing chain.  This keeps the chain tight while allowing it to absorb pulsations from the engine.  The tensioner can wear out.  There are also guide rails that keep the chain on the proper path that can become worn.

The bottom line is that at some time, one or more of the timing chain system components will become worn to the point that they are no longer performing within specifications.  Your service adviser can help you with recommendations for when timing chain components should be replaced on your vehicle and for signs of timing chain system wear.

Since timing chains and dozens of other parts, are lubricated by engine oil, smart drivers stay on top of regular oil changes to prolong their life.  Always use a high quality oil filter and oil of the recommended type and grade.

Filed Under: Engine Tagged With: Timing Chain

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

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