¶ Timing drive
Whether a timing chain lasts the life of an engine depends on its surroundings. It stretches at the joints, the rails wear, and the tensioner can only compensate as long as it gets enough oil. Here too, the oil supply has a say in how long things last.
The article on the timing chain drive explains how the parts work together and is the best place to start. If you hear a rattle on cold start, the possible causes are in the article on cold-start chain rattle. Before buying a chain kit, it is worth reading how to recognise quality.
¶ All articles on this topic
- Timing Chain: How It Works, Symptoms and When to Replace
- Timing Chain Guide Rails: Why the Plastic Breaks
- Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start: Tensioner or Cam Phaser?
- Timing Chain Stretch? Why Oil Matters More Than the Chain
- Timing Chain Kit Quality: What the Box Won't Tell You
- Chain Tensioners: Why a Chain Drive Really Needs One
¶ Related topics
Oil and lubrication · Oil pump and oil supply · Engines in focus