The timing chain is recognized as a more durable and trouble-free alternative to a rubber belt. Some believe that the timing chain is eternal and should last until the end of the engine's life. Practice shows, however, that in some engines the chain wears out after several tens of thousands of kilometers. Therefore, regular replacement of the timing chain is required. How to identify the symptoms of a worn timing chain?
The service life of the timing chain.
In most cases, stories about the eternal timing chain should be inserted between fairy tales. A camshaft is a mechanism that requires very high precision, so mistakes cannot be made. A highly stretched chain can jump on the camshaft sprockets, which can lead to costly engine failure.
Although in some cars the timing chain can actually withstand the entire life cycle of the engine, there are units where the service life is much shorter.
An example is the N45 engine installed on the BMW e87 116i, in which a design defect in the timing tensioner leads to rapid chain wear. In practice, replacement of the timing chain may be required after 60 thousand km. That's less than the timing belt can handle. The chain installed on Volkswagen 1.4 TSI engines from the beginning of production required replacement even for 30 thousand km.
This is, of course, an exception to the rule. The strength of timing chains is much higher in most cases. In non-completed engines, the drive chain can easily withstand 300-500 thousand km. However, you should remember to regularly monitor its condition and use high-quality engine oil (you will find recommended products in the engine oil rating).
Symptoms of a worn timing chain:
rustling or rattling coming from the engine (increasing with RPM),
noisy valve timing when starting the engine,
uneven unit operation,
instantaneous and repetitive lack of power,
increased fuel burning,
check engine indicator and error of the timing sensor or crankshaft position sensor.
What is the danger of driving on a worn-out timing chain? Why is replacing the timing chain important?
Jumping or breaking the timing chain can have very serious consequences. A slight displacement of the camshaft will upset the engine and is the smallest penalty. The unit will lose power and start working very unevenly. Smoke may also appear from the exhaust pipe. Please stop the car as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
The situation will be worse after the timing chain is broken. This element is responsible for synchronizing the valves with the pistons, so breaking the chain will lead to a collision. The consequences of such a malfunction include damaged pistons, valves, guides and camshafts. With a strong impact, the connecting rods may also bend and even the head may break. In most cases, a faulty engine is only suitable for major repairs or replacement.
Replacement of the timing chain.
Replacing the timing chain takes up to several hours, so it is not one of the cheapest services. A comprehensive replacement requires dismantling the chain body, guide rollers, tensioner, and water pump. In many cases, it is also necessary to replace these elements, so some services immediately recommend purchasing the entire kit. After replacing the timing chain, it is also necessary to replace the oil, oil filter, water pump and coolant. Live betting promotions are another advantage for registered users. After entering the promo code for 1xbet players may access special odds boosts or live bet bonuses during matches. These offers are time-sensitive and reward quick decision-making. Always monitor changing odds and cash-out options, as live markets can shift rapidly depending on game events.
