Timing chain how long

Interference or non-interference? You will need to know because if the timing chain breaks, a non-interference engine will simply fail to start, while an interference engine could carry heavy internal damage.

In an interference engine, the timing chain is also important in preventing the piston from striking the valves. This type of engine is a 4-stroke internal combustion piston engine in which one or more valves in the fully open position are extended into any area through which the piston may travel.

Interference engines are common among modern cars and many other four-stroke engine applications. Examples of cars with interference engines are Audi 1. Using a timing chain instead of gear drive enables engine designers to put the camshaft s further from the crankshaft.

Also in engines with multiple camshafts, a timing belt or chain also makes it possible for the camshafts to be placed further from each other. How long does a timing chain lasts is affected by whether or not you have an interference or non-interference motor?

With interference engines, the cylinder contains the pistons and valves, but not simultaneously. So a broken chain in this type of engine can result in the parts flying into the cylinder, which can cause severe internal damage. So a non-interference motor provides adequate clearance preventing the valves from hitting the pistons. Chain complications often cause the links to loosen before breaking, and that breakage can happen while driving or while turning your car on and off.

If it disrupts at a low speed, it may just result in a little damage. Running at high RPMs, however, can destroy your engine. Timing chains were usually seen on production automobiles from the s to the s when timing belts became the norm. But timing chains have been in a resurgence in recent years. Timing chains as a whole are more durable than timing belts. So what are timing belts and how is it different from a timing chain?

The timing chain as mentioned is constructed of metal and the timing belt on the other hand is reinforced rubber. Belts are quieter and because of their material are cheaper to produce. Timing chains on the other hand are housed within the engine and can receive lubrication from engine oil so it can last a long time. Whereas timing belts are located outside of the engine and can dry out and crack. Since the introduction of the internal combustion engine, a timing chain or timing belt has been in use.

But most higher-displacement engines have a timing chain as opposed to a timing belt. More vehicle manufacturers have integrated timing chains back into some vehicles with impactful improvements such as noise and vibration reduction.

Different from a timing belt, not all water pumps are driven by the timing chain. But neither the timing chain nor timing belt is as durable as the gear drive. The wrong oil can cause extra load on the chain and the engine will not be properly lubricated.

Since the timing chain can go bad and will need to be replaced, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms so you can have it repaired before it fails completely. This article originally appeared on YourMechanic. Autoblog is partnering with YourMechanic to bring many of the repair and maintenance services you need right to you. Get service at your home or office 7 days a week with fair and transparent pricing. We get it. Ads can be annoying. But ads are also how we keep the garage doors open and the lights on here at Autoblog - and keep our stories free for you and for everyone.

And free is good, right? If you'd be so kind as to allow our site, we promise to keep bringing you great content. Thanks for that. And thanks for reading Autoblog. Signs your timing chain needs to be replaced include: Your vehicle has a rough idle, meaning your engine shakes Your car backfires The vehicle seems to be working harder than normal Your car will not start at all, indicated a complete timing chain failure.

Ownership engine idle chains. View More. Thank You Thanks for subscribing. Check Engine Light is on. Engine rattles while idling. A timing chain is a metal chain, as opposed to the timing belt which is made of rubber.

The chain is located inside of the engine and needs to be lubricated by the oil in the engine so everything runs together. Every time you use the engine, the timing chain will be used. The most common symptom is chain rattle after a cold start.

During a cold start, the hydraulic chain tensioner does not apply as much tension as when the car engine is running. It takes a few seconds for the engine oil to reach the tensioner and take the slack out of the timing chain.