The chain is coupled to a set of gears and pulleys near the front of the engine that power several mechanical parts, such as the camshaft and crankshaft.  

The timing belt must smoothly move around the gearing without delay in order for your motor to spark. Although the timing chain is comprised of metal, it is susceptible to wear and strain and may fracture if not changed as the manufacturer recommends.

The timing belt is made up of a series of links that resemble those seen in a bicycle chain. The grooved sprockets on the extremities of the camshaft and crankshaft drive the links, which are essential for closing and opening valves in the cylinder head as well as moving cylinders and tie rods in the combustion tank. The timing belt can extend and wear down over time, causing the engine's timing to be off and causing a few warning indications.

Here are some signs that your timing belt is worn out. If you see any of these symptoms, you should call a professional mechanic as soon as possible to determine the specific problem and make appropriate repairs.

If Your Engine Stutters or Runs Erratically, It's Time to Replace it

In a combustion engine, valve timing can be achieved in two ways. The first is the two-gear technique, which involves a direct connection between the camshaft and crankshaft gears. This is the method employed in the majority of heavy machinery and large trucks.

Consumer automobiles with high-performance engines are more likely to use the timing belt approach. The timing chain can extend with time, causing the belt to bypass a gear on the camshaft or crankshaft. This allows the engine's timing to become out of whack, resulting in a misfire. It's also possible that the engine will operate badly and lack driving power.

Each car type has its own timing belt, for instance, BMW timing chain kits, Nissan belt kits, and so on.

The Engine Will Not Start or Will Fail

An engine with a faulty timing chain would not ignite or will fail while moving. If the chain is already damaged, the engine will not start due to a lack of compression. The cylinders will be ruined by friction with the valves if it breaks or leaps while moving.

The valves will deform, perhaps destroying the engine. If the belt has become loose, it might flail around and cause harm to other sections of the engine. If your motor won't fire or starts driving erratically, it's time to take it to a trained mechanic for an evaluation and replacement.

The Check Engine Light Is Illuminated

The engine light can come on for a number of causes, one of which being a broken timing chain. Caution lights on an onboard computer must be examined and trouble signals scanned to pinpoint the source of the problem.

When the internal computer identifies a problem with the emissions system or engine performance, the check engine light may illuminate. A strained timing chain causes poor engine efficiency and higher emissions, causing the engine light to illuminate and a diagnostic fault code to be stored. The signal will need to be examined by a mechanic, who will then recommend the necessary repairs.