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• Timing belt diagrams
• Timing chain diagrams
• How to replace a multi rib belt
• Why does my engine hesitate?
• How does a timing belt work?
• Car is making a chirping noise

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Car Engine Timing Chain Problems

Answer: It sounds like your timing chain guides are worn and need replacing to repair problem.

Question: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am mileage: 90,000. I recently had a car repair done. The timing chain had broken and the tech went to test-drive the car after fixing the timing chain. The oil light had come on, the mechanic drove it without checking the oil, and the engine froze up after that. It now needs a new engine. I need to know if it was an error on the mechanics part. Is there anyone else that can advise me on what to do?

Answer:   It sounds like something went wrong internally from the repair.

Question:   1988 Nissan Sentra, mileage: 80,000. On the engine timing chain, how much slack, if any should there be? I have over 1/2 inch flexing/movement when I touch the timing chain with a screwdriver through the oil fill cap at the front of the engine. It flops around nicely. Would that also cause an intermittent loud engine knock / tapping?

Answer: It sounds like you are ready for replacement of the tensioner or guide. They may be broken allowing the extra movement in the chain. 

Question: 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass, mileage: 105,000.  I recently replaced the timing chain.  After getting all the gears and the chain in place, I started the car to make sure it was timed correctly; it ran like a true champ.  The problem is that I didn�t have the crank pulley on while running the car so the keyway flew out and the crank kept spinning while the camshafts came to a stop.  How do I line everything back up to get it back in time?   And do I have serious problems if the crankshaft will spin only 1 rotation either way?  Valve damage?  Please help

Answer: Assuming the chain is still on the crank gear, rotate the crankshaft manually to a point to where you can reinstall the key.  With the crank pulley installed, try starting it again.  This is the easiest way to check for valve damage.  If you have valve damage, it will run extremely poor or not at all.

Question: 1998 Dodge Ram 1500, mileage: 144,000.  I think that my timing chain either jumped or slipped when I was driving and if that is what happened would that cause any damage to the valves, pistons or any other internal engine parts?

Answer:  There is a good chance that the valves may be damaged if the timing chain has failed.

Answer:   Mark the distributor prior to removal, then reinstall the same way.

Question: 2000 BMW 740il, mileage: 90,000.  Re: timing chain. What is the purpose of the (2) plated links on the timing chain and if all the mating marks are lined up correctly on the gears, what difference does it make where the plated links are on the timing chain?

Answer: You're right. The plated links are just an aid to help during chain replacement. If the timing marks on the sprockets are aligned properly, it makes no difference.

Question: 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, mileage: 120,000. What would be the recommended mileage to have the timing chain replaced on a Pontiac Grand Am? If so is this a valve bending engine?

Answer: We would recommend replacing the timing chain at 140,000 miles. If the timing chain fails there is a very good chance the result would be bent valves.

MORE: Timing chain questions

Repair Topics / Engine Timing Belt-1 / Engine Timing Belt-2 / Engine Timing Belt-3 / Engine Timing Belt-4

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