For me on as fresh chain it should have no slack but very slight tension. If you lightly tap it it should not flutter but not be rigid. It's hard really to describe, it's more of a feel thing. It will stretch a bit once it runs so you don't really want to start out with it loose.
How loose is a timing chain supposed to be?
1/2 inch total deflection is the standard max.
How much play should there be in a timing chain?
The book spec is 1/2" play maximum before needing to be replaced. That's for a stock engine, not one that you want to have performance out of for any reasonable length of time and certainly not for a brand new one. While using a tensioner is ok, all that does is remove the slop.
Can you over tighten a timing chain?
You really don't want to over tighten. It could cause fast cam chain and gear wear. It'll also but a lot of stress on the cams. When you over tighten, typically you'll hear it whine.
How do I know if my timing chain is loose?
When the timing chain is loose, it can cause a vibration in the motor resulting in a rattling noise as the engine idles or when starting. If you hear a rattle, it means something is loose and needs to be fixed before it breaks.
30 related questions foundCan a timing chain stretch?
In many cases, timing chains stretch due to improper owner maintenance. Going too long between oil changes and using the wrong type or viscosity rated motor oil causes the timing chain pins and plates to wear, resulting in timing chain stretch.
How much does it cost to tighten a timing chain?
The Best in Auto Repair
The average cost for timing chain tensioner replacement is between $1,050 and $1,230. Labor costs are estimated between $679 and $856 while parts are priced between $371 and $374. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
Why would a timing chain be loose?
The timing chain has stretched
With enough use, the timing chain stretches and causes the chain to skip over a gear and cause the timing to fall out of calibration. This causes the chain to permanently become loose and skip over the gears every time you try to start your MINI.
How long do timing chain tensioners last?
How long does a timing chain tensioner last? A timing chain tensioner should last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. This time will also depend on if you follow proper care and maintenance of the vehicle. It may have premature failure without frequent oil changes or other maintenance tasks.
Should a timing belt have slack in it?
If you can create more than 1/2″ of slack, then the timing belt needs to be tightened. If there is less than 1/4″ of slack, it's too tight and needs to be loosened.
How much slack should a Chevy 350 timing chain have?
The difference between the two indicates the amount of slack in the timing chain. Three to five degrees is normal, and more than 10 degrees is excessive. More than 10 degrees of slack indicates that it is time to replace the chain and gears.
What happens when a timing chain stretches?
#1 – Stretched Timing Chain
Correct valve timing will degrade. This will be noted by an increase in fuel consumption, reduced power at low engine speeds and an increase in roughness. The stretched chain also may become noisy, producing a rattling or clattering sound.
Can timing chain cause rough idle?
Rough Idle
When a timing chain is worn, it develops slack and becomes loose. When this happens, the engine's valves, which are powered indirectly by the timing chain, will no longer run correctly. When the valves begin to run off-sync, the engine will function poorly and cause the vehicle to have a rough idle.
Will a bad timing chain throw a code?
A stretched timing chain contributes to poor engine performance and increased emissions, triggering the check engine light and the storing of a diagnostic trouble code. A mechanic will need to inspect the code and prescribe the necessary repairs.
Will thicker oil stop timing chain noise?
You can't fix a timing chain issue (whatever it may be) with an additive. Usually, using a heavier oil can quiet down things like lifters, but I don't think that would do much, if anything at all, with your timing chain noise. And a heavier oil may have some undesirable side effects.
Can loose timing chain cause loss of power?
Over a period of time, the timing chain can stretch, which can cause the chain to skip a gear on the cam or crankshaft. This causes the engine's timing to fall out of calibration and often results in a misfire. The engine may also run poorly and lack accelerating power.
Is it worth fixing a timing chain?
A timing chain doesn't need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it. Is the timing chain immune to mechanical failures? The simple answer is No, it is not. Timing chain problems are not uncommon, especially in high-mileage vehicles.
Will a new timing chain improve performance?
Replacing them with new components can give the false feeling of increased performance when the truth is the engine has just been returned to the correct state of operation. No timing belt will give an increase in performance - it's just not possible. Its main job is to keep the timing in check.
How do you know if your timing chain tensioner is bad?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Chain Tensioner
- Engine may stall or run rough.
- Noise in the front of the engine (a rattle or rumble, associated with engine speed)
- Check Engine Light may illuminate and set misfire, camshaft sensor, and crankshaft sensor codes.
Can you drive with a stretched timing chain?
It's probably not immediately "dangerous" to drive with an elongated chain, but if it gets elongated enough, it will lose tension, start to "slap", and may break the plastic cam chain guides or jump a tooth on one of the sprockets, which may cause catastrophic engine damage.
How tight should a SBC timing chain be?
For me on as fresh chain it should have no slack but very slight tension. If you lightly tap it it should not flutter but not be rigid. It's hard really to describe, it's more of a feel thing. It will stretch a bit once it runs so you don't really want to start out with it loose.
What is the procedure for determining if the belt is too tight?
Check the tension by using your forefinger and thumb and deflecting the belt downward. Always make your check in the middle between two pulleys. If the belt can be deflected downward more than 1/2 inch or the slack is excessive, the belt needs adjustment.
