What are the symptoms of a timing chain failure?
3 Answers
Symptoms of timing chain failure: engine noise, car unable to start, insufficient power, severe exhaust emissions, etc. Causes of timing chain failure: 1. The timing chain comes into contact with oil or other solvents; 2. Failure to promptly inspect and adjust the timing chain tension, resulting in skipped teeth. The timing chain relies on lubricating oil for lubrication. If the engine oil is not changed for a long time or the oil quality is poor, it can easily increase the friction between the timing chain and the sprocket, reducing the lifespan of the timing chain. If the wear is severe, the timing chain is prone to failure or damage, gradually becoming elongated, which can lead to skipped teeth and cause engine failure.
When driving my decade-old car, the most obvious symptom of a timing chain failure was a continuous clanging sound from the engine upon startup, like metal colliding, especially louder during cold starts. There was a noticeable lack of power when accelerating uphill, the car felt sluggish, and it would shake violently when starting, like an earthquake. Fuel economy worsened significantly, from 8 liters per 100 kilometers to over 10 liters. During a long trip, the car suddenly stalled on the highway, creating a dangerous situation. A quick check at the repair shop revealed the chain tensioner was broken, causing the entire chain to loosen. A reminder to everyone: regularly check chain wear during maintenance, especially for high-mileage older cars, as a broken chain could potentially destroy the engine.
Hey, over these years of commuting by car, timing chain issues have been the most annoying – you hear that grinding noise under the hood, a buzzing sound when starting the engine, and it gets even more noticeable when accelerating. The car loses significant power, stepping on the gas feels like stepping on cotton, and acceleration becomes super slow. What used to be a smooth journey now feels bumpy. Starting the car also becomes more difficult, sometimes requiring multiple attempts to get it going. Fuel consumption increases too; what used to last for 400 kilometers now runs out by 350. Don’t underestimate these symptoms; severe chain failure can leave your car completely stranded. That time I had trouble starting in the rain, I almost missed work. Later, I had the timing chain assembly repaired. After replacing it, things got much better. Everyone, pay more attention to the sounds your car makes.
