Hey, it's the Duke. I am sure you have heard the saying "Being in the right place at the right time," meaning timing is everything, and that includes your timing belt. If your timing belt is not working at the right time, everything in the engine is affected. So today, we will bark about how important your timing belt or chain is. So let's get barkin' before time runs out!
There’s an important part in your vehicle that shields your timing belt, timing chain, or cam belt from debris and gunk that can be kicked up from the road. It’s called the timing cover. It’s important because the timing belt or chain coordinates parts of your engine called the camshafts and crankshaft. When they’re in sync, everything runs smoothly. When they’re not, it can cause some serious engine problems.
If your vehicle has a timing belt, without the protection of the timing cover, that belt can come loose from the timing gears or break. If your vehicle has a timing chain, the cover keeps engine oil circulating around it, lubricating it. When that starts to leak because of a bad gasket, the chain may not get adequate lubrication.
If your vehicle has a timing cover problem, you may notice engine oil leaking if a gasket is not sealing tightly. You may hear a strange metallic sound coming from the engine. Another sign that timing is off is that you notice you’re losing power when you’re going up a hill.
Usually, the timing cover will not wear out. But if you drive on roads where you’re getting a lot of debris and dirt kicked up into your engine compartment, the timing cover can get damaged and affect your vehicle’s operation. It eventually could lead to engine problems, so if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, have one of our technicians inspect your timing cover and gasket.
Here is my "Time" quote for this week,
"Better three hours too soon than a minute too late." – William Shakespeare.
Duke
Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
http://alliedautoworks.com