Timing chain

Tiny
LETICIARAMOS2890
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
I just had timing chain replaced on my car. The mechanic says the vehicle starts now, but will not stay on. Also the engine is running rough and backfires. Could this be something serious? I do not know if I should try getting it fix or time to junk it. This is my only vehicle and it gets me, my daughter and grand-kids around. Help somebody.
Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 AT 5:14 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Need more information like why was it changed? Also how did it run before it was changed?
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
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Vehicle was running fine until the timing chain went out on me.
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
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My daughter heard a rattling noise and the car just died out at stop light. It would not start after that.
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Alright then when the timing chain failed the engine could have bent a valve. If the engine is timed correctly then a compression test should be performed. Didn't your mechanic suggest that when it ran so bad?
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
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No, he just said the spark plugs might need to be replaced. If you don't mind my asking what is a compression test and how do I know if he did it? I guess I am going to have to ask him to try a compression test. Anything else you might suggest. I really appreciate you input, we really need the car repaired, I am so tired of catching bus in all this rain.
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Wednesday, May 25th, 2016 AT 5:12 AM
Tiny
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The engine cranks over but it will not stay on, dies out and backfires.
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Wednesday, May 25th, 2016 AT 6:26 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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If it ran fine before unless he broke a spark plug or did not time it right or something else was not done right. Then the only other thing I can think of is when the chain failed a piston might have hit a valve and bent it. An engine draws in air to compress to make pressure for a explosion inside the engine. Then fuel is put in the pressurized combustion chamber and ignited for the explosion to make the engine rotate and make power to go down the road. If there isn't enough pressure made in some or all the cylinders those cylinders will not run or contribute power. The mechanic should know all this. Ask him if he did a compression test that checked the pressures in each cylinder. If spent take very long to do on that engine.
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Wednesday, May 25th, 2016 AT 6:32 AM
Tiny
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Okay, I will do that today. Thanks again.
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Wednesday, May 25th, 2016 AT 6:54 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Please let us know what you find out so it will help others.
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Wednesday, May 25th, 2016 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
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I sure will
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Wednesday, May 25th, 2016 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
LETICIARAMOS2890
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Can anyone help with the alignment for the timing chain, mechanic can not find them. He sees in on small gear but not the large one. I cant afford to start over and go to another mechanic. Thanks
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Sunday, June 12th, 2016 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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So how did he time the engine when he changed the chain.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2016 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Here you go.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Sunday, June 12th, 2016 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
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Thank you, will have him do it today.
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Monday, June 13th, 2016 AT 6:47 AM
Tiny
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Finally got my car running, now need to get my muffler replaced. Thank guys for all your help.
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Sunday, July 3rd, 2016 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome so the timing when he put it all together was just off?
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Sunday, July 3rd, 2016 AT 2:48 PM
Tiny
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Yes and power steering pump had to be replaced. Driving with temporary fix on muffler til I can save money for new one.
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Sunday, July 3rd, 2016 AT 2:53 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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That sucks sounds like the guy just didn't know what he was doing.
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Sunday, July 3rd, 2016 AT 3:03 PM

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