FAQ-58

Timing belts and Timing chains.

Some engine have belts that drive the cam shafts and some have chains. These belts and chains keep the lower moving parts in complete synchronization with the upper moving parts. When these belts or chains fail, THEY CAN cause the pistons to slam into a valve because of the lost synchronization. Otherwise, as the piston come up, no valve should be open and if it is, the piston hits it breaks or bends it and at that second your repair bill just grew by 300 to 500%.

Timing BELTS:

They are quiet.

They are cleaner running and do not need to be contained and lubed by engine oil.

Depending on your owner's manual recommendation, replace the timing BELT, automatic belt tensioner, idler bearings and maybe cam and crank oil seals when you "time out" the belt.

Most all cars and SUVs have a 60k to 100k interval. It is important that you know this interval. I know of no symptoms for this repair. One second the belt is OK, the next, your engine dies and you coast to the side of the road.

Depending on if you do the fan belts, the water pump, the cam and crank seals and all of the important timing parts, this will cost $400 to $900 or more, depending on the make of the vehicle.

Timing CHAINS:

Somewhat noisy.

They run within the engine and are bathed in engine oil.

Depending on your owner's manual recommendation, replace the timing CHAIN, automatic CHAIN tensioner(s), idler bearings and maybe cam and crank oil seals when you "time out" the CHAIN.

However the majority will need service in the 85-125k range. Most of the time, an engine noise will warn the driver of a loose CHAIN or broken CHAIN guide or tensioner.

Depending on if you do the fan belts, the water pump, the cam and crank seals and all of the important timing parts, this will cost $800 to $1500 or more, depending on the make of the vehicle.

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