![]() Odd sounds coming from inside the motor indicate a serious warning. You could also ask for a computer read out at an auto parts store. If you see the check engine line, the appropriate course of action is to take the car to a mechanic if the car is still drivable. The check engine light can come on for a variety of reasons including a failing timing chain. In many cases, the problem is so severe and costly that the owner decides to send the car to the junkyard. This could potentially ruin the engine.Įngine replacement is expensive, up to $6000. If the timing chain breaks while driving, the pistons will be damaged from contact with the valves. When you have your oil changed, ask your mechanic if any small pieces of metal were found.Ī broken timing chain will cause an engine to not start. If the timing chain breaks, loose metal rolls around inside the motor which can lead to serious damage. If the timing chain is worn, small pieces of metal can break off and enter the oil pan. Additionally, the engine may run poorly and lack accelerating power. This causes the engine’s timing to fail and often results in a misfire. ![]() Normal wear and tear causes the timing chain to stretch meaning the chain to skip a gear on the camshaft or crankshaft. Signs of a bad or failing timing chain include: What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Timing Chain? If you drive an older vehicle, or one close to 100,000 miles, you should have it replaced or at least become aware of the symptoms of a failing timing chain. Unless there is a specific problem, the timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. Using the wrong oil can cause extra weight on the chain, meaning the engine will not be properly lubricated. Most modern vehicles only use synthetic oil. If the chain fails, the vehicle will not run at all.įailure can also depend on oil quality. The guides connected to the timing chain can wear out, causing the timing chain to fail. Timing Chains stretch due to normal wear and tear. What Causes a Timing Chain to Break or Wear? If the pistons and valves don’t fire or move when they should, your engine will suffer severe damage and not work. The timing chain controls the pistons and valves, making sure they operate when they need to inside the engine’s cylinders. Every time you use the engine, the timing chain is used too. The timing chain is located inside the engine. This allows the engine’s valves to open and close when each cylinder is fired. You’ve just posted to an internet discussion board full of random rabble such as the same mountainbike -).What Is the Timing Chain and What Does it Do?Ī timing chain coordinates the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. Unfortunately, other than not neglecting the coolant system, there’s no “maintenance” that can prevent the eventual need for that “repair” Those can cause real damage to the engine if left unchecked. Those engines are notorious for leaking lower intake manifold gaskets. What you want to pay special attention to is the cooling system and watch for any signs of coolant loss or leaks. ![]() It is maintained by regular oil changes according to the schedule (in this case probably the oil life monitor that tells you when to change the oil). You probably won’t find a word about the timing system. So open up the owner’s manual on the Equinox, find the service schedule, and make sure you follow it. ![]() It’s pretty much always way more expensive that way. A lot of people ignore maintenance until something is wrong and then they need repairs. But maintenance is about trying to make sure things don’t break. Some might call it semantics, but I think it’s an important distinction. Note, by the way, that if you have a car with a timing belt, getting it serviced is not (or SHOULD NOT) be a “repair”. So bookworm0812, if you keep up with all of the maintenance in this vehicle then you should never have to do anything at all with the timing system. I’m pretty sure than an Equinox came only with either a 3.4L or 3.6L V6, both of which are chain driven. ![]()
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