What are the symptoms of incorrect timing in a car?
2 Answers
The symptoms of incorrect timing in a car are: 1. Insufficient vehicle power and engine shaking at idle, which in severe cases can cause the engine's valves and pistons to collide, leading to engine damage; 2. The timing belt connects the camshaft and crankshaft, controlling the opening and closing of the valves and the rotation of the crankshaft and the up-and-down movement of the pistons. Therefore, if the timing belt is not aligned correctly, it will cause the valves to open and close at the wrong time; 3. The valves and pistons may collide with each other, resulting in damage to both. The reasons for incorrect timing in a car include: 1. The timing points were not aligned properly during replacement; 2. A faulty tensioner causing the timing belt to skip teeth.
I've been driving for twenty years, and the symptoms of incorrect timing are really obvious. The car is extremely difficult to start, sometimes requiring several turns of the key before it fires up. At idle, the engine shakes violently, and even the steering wheel vibrates. There's no power when driving, especially when going uphill or accelerating—the power output lags, and it feels like the throttle doesn't respond even when floored. Fuel consumption also skyrockets, much higher than usual, and the exhaust emits black smoke or strong odors due to incomplete combustion. The most annoying part is the engine noise—sounds like rattling or knocking, which is just a headache to hear. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to valve damage or even engine failure. I went through this once, and the repair cost me several thousand dollars. So, if something feels off, it's best to get the timing belt or chain checked at a professional shop immediately. Regular maintenance can prevent this issue. Don’t delay—safety first.
