This timing chain help transfers power from the crankshaft to the camshaft while syncing the closing and opening of the valves following the piston movement.
The timing chain in a vehicle works on the principle of gears; if the timing chain should skip a tooth, it could cause adverse problems for your engine.
In this article, you would learn more about Timing Off One Tooth Symptoms, its causes, and solutions.
Let’s get started!
What are Timing Off One Tooth Symptoms?
The main sign that a timer chain is missing the tooth is a loud clattering and a severe engine shake. If you observe this symptom, you must switch off the engine. Make sure to repair it so as to avoid totalizing the engine.
The check engine light is the first symptom you would experience while driving a vehicle with a timing chain off a tooth.
Your check engine light will come on, indicating a problem in your engine; more observant drivers will also notice the power loss and reduction in the efficiency of their engine.
You also get to hear some rattling noises emanating from the engine bay. These rattling noises are more profound when the vehicle is idling.
Timing Chain and Timing Off One Tooth Explained
A timing chain /timing belt is a component in your timing system that helps your car run smoothly by synchronizing and connecting a set of sprockets, gears, and cogs which all work together to determine the speed of your engine.
Most modern vehicles do not have timing chains but rather have timing belts that are cheaper to produce and last longer with a reduced maintenance cost.
Whether your vehicle uses a timing chain or timing belt, it is important to show that it is constantly in proper working condition. If your timing chain is off by even one tooth or has structural damage, your car will experience misfiring and, in some extreme cases, will not even be able to start.
If you suspect anything is wrong with your timing chain, you should seek a professional mechanic to look at your engine.
Working Principle of the Timing Chain
The timing chain works on a simple gearing principle. It synchronizes the crankshaft with the camshafts, connecting geared pulleys attached to the accessible end of the camshafts and crankshaft of the engine, respectively.
The timing chain is made with gear teeth or sprocket chains. These gear teeth or sprocket holes on the chain ensure that power transmitted to the camshafts closes and open the valves at appropriate timing.
If the timing chain is installed wrongly or skips a tooth, your engine, in the best-case scenario, will lose efficiency and power, but in a more severe case, it could become damaged.
Also Read: Serpentine Belt vs Timing Belt (Are They Different?)
Timing Off One Tooth Causes
Many things can cause a timing chain to fall off a tooth; however, the major causes of timing chains skipping a tooth include;
The Sprockets are Bad
Sprockets are a special type of power transmitting pulley used to engage the timing chain both on the camshaft and the vehicle’s crankshaft. If these sprockets become damaged, they lose the ability to properly hold the timing chains in place as a power transfer from the crankshaft to the camshaft.
The inability of the sprockets to hold the timing chain in place will cause the chain to skip teeth which can be problematic for the vehicle’s engine.
Several factors can cause damage to sprockets, including inappropriate installation, wear, and tear, impact from external Force, and lifespan.
Wear Due to Friction in the Surfaces
Every machine with moving parts will surely suffer from wear and tear because, as time goes by, friction builds up and starts to scrape and tear surfaces in contact with other surfaces slowly.
The timing chain is not left out of this phenomenon. Every day you use your engine, the timing chain teeth begin to wear down, causing difficulty for it to properly fuse with the gear teeth on the engine’s crankshaft.
As time goes by, the chain’s poor grip will cause it to skip gears which can be very problematic for the engine.
How to Fix Timing Off One Tooth
Before fixing a timing chain problem, you must first understand where the problem originated; therefore, you must first troubleshoot your engine to find the exact problem.
Whenever the problem’s cause is confirmed, you can tailor your solution to best fit the issue you are handling.
Here are ways to fix some specific issues that cause your timing chain to skip a tooth
When the Chain is Worn-Out
If you need to replace your timing chain, follow these steps:
Step 1: Remove the Timing Cover. Lose the bolts holding the timing chain cover and carefully remove the timing chain cover.
Step 2: Remove the Old Timing Chain. Carefully uninstall the timing chain from your engine.
Step 3: Install the new timing chain around the crankshaft sprocket, then connect it to the camshaft sprocket.
Step 4: You must adjust the tensioner to ensure the right tension is on the timing chain.
Step 5: Next, tighten the timing chain using a wrench or torque wrench before installing the timing chain cover. Ensure that the new timing chain is installed in the same format as the old one for your engine to work properly.
Suppose you lack the confidence to execute these procedures. You can employ a qualified mechanic to do it for you.
When There is a Loose Chain
If you have a loose timing chain, you can easily fix this issue by tightening it with a torque wrench.
Use the appropriate torque for the socket size of the bolt to not over-tighten the bolt and cause unnecessary damage.
To tighten the timing chain, you will need to:
Step 1: Uninstall the cover of the timing chain. and turn the crankshaft until the top dead Centre mark on the engine alliance with the timing mark on the pulley.
Step 2: Hold the tensioner in place with a wrench and rotate it clockwise until it reduces the tension on the timing chain. Lose the nut that secures the adjuster and turn the adjuster anti-clockwise until there’s resistance. This action will shift the slack side of the timing chain against the camshaft sprocket.
Step 3: Secure the adjuster screw by tightening the lock nut and rotating the crankshaft until it aligns with the timing mark on the pulley and forms an edge with one of the camshaft sprockets.
Step 4: Turn the crankshaft anti-clockwise again until it aligns with the top-dead-center Mark. This action will ensure you have a tightened Timing chain.
Step 5: Remove tools and clean the specks of dirt off your engine before reinstalling the timing chain cover. Ensure to use a torque wrench when tightening the timing chain cover.
Also Read: Did Honda Fix The Turbo Engine Problems of 2020 and 2021?
Frequently Asked Questions – Timing Off One Tooth Symptoms
What Happens If The Timing Chain Is Off?
If your timing chain is off, he will experience a power loss and rattling sounds from your engine bay.
What Does A Loose Timing Chain Sound Like?
A loose timing chain causes a rattling sound which can be heard easily if the vehicle is idling.
Can I Drive With A Loose Timing Chain?
Driving with a loose timing chain is not advisable as it can cause severe engine damage.
Conclusion – Timing Off One Tooth Symptoms
If your timing chain skips a tooth or becomes loose, your engine May face severe consequences, as it could lead to Total engine failure. Whenever you have a loose timing chain, it is what to fix it immediately, and if you cannot do it yourself, employ the services of an expert.