The timing belt is a crucial part of your engine. It’s made from thick, toughened rubber and synchronizes the camshaft at the top of your engine with the crankshaft at the bottom. It has a relatively long life and usually only needs replacement after 80,000 to 100,000 miles. As your Chevy dealer, we want to tell you about some signs you need to visit us for a timing belt replacement.
Signs You Need a Timing Belt Replacement at Your Chevy Dealer
Misfiring
Misfiring is caused by failed combustion in a cylinder. Fuel and air mix, and once mixed, a cylinder intake valve opens, and the mixture enters the cylinder. The valve closes, and the piston rises to compress the mixture. Once sufficiently compressed, the spark plug ignites the mixture, producing a series of explosions that generate the energy to move your car. The piston drops, the exhaust valve opens to expel the combustion residue, and the process starts again.
A worn timing belt can slip as it moves between the camshaft and the crankshaft, and this slight delay can mean that the intake valve doesn’t close completely or the exhaust valve partially opens. If the cylinder isn’t completely sealed, air enters, and the mixture won’t ignite correctly. If this happens, you’ll feel a drop in engine power and hear a noise from the engine.
Ticking Noises
A loud ticking noise from the engine is a sign something is wrong with the timing belt. The timing belt must fit correctly as it moves over the pulleys. If it’s too loose, it could fall off, and if it’s too tight, it could snap. The timing belt tensioner automatically adjusts the belt as needed. The belt tensioner can wear out or become damaged.
If the tensioner fails, the belt can slip as it moves or drag against the pulleys, causing the odd noise. Our technicians will replace the tensioner and examine the belt for signs of damage. If the belt is damaged, we’ll replace it.
Engine Won’t Start
When you hit the start button, you expect to hear the sound of your Chevy’s engine within seconds. If the only sound you hear is a sad click-click, the starter is working to crank the engine, but the engine won’t start. This problem can be caused by a dead battery, but it can also be caused by a timing belt failure.
As we’ve seen, a timing belt can break. Since the belt links the two engine sections, a broken belt prevents the combustion process from starting. We’ll examine your engine and replace the broken belt. We’ll also check for any damage caused as it failed and advise you so we can repair it.
Don’t risk a timing belt failure. Contact our service department today at Jim Turner Chevrolet in McGregor, TX.
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