How to Check a Timing Belt or Timing Chain in Your Car

[@scottykilmer]

Things I used in this video: 1. Timing Light: amzn.to/2BQ9dD9 2. Large Screwdriver: amzn.to/2igwntV 3. Ratchet and socket set: amzn.to/2inoxOY 4. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 5. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 6. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jGDfkA 7. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO 8. Common Sense 9. Full HD Camera: amzn.to/2AvoEk7 10. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 11. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 12. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA

[@anthony_entrepreneur_]

Scotty Kilmer years of experience

[@yorXmom]

Where is the link for common sense? That would be a great gift for some people I know

[@harleydavidson6896]

Car question how would u tell if timing chain is bad on a 98 grand am 2.4 runs but getting way to much gas and flooding out and smoking cant find the problem says p0171 only

[@TONI-we6di]

Hey scotty i have a problem with my 2008 ford transit 2.4 tdci 103kw engine. I tested injectors and they are fine its knocking 30000km like that. I recorded a video.

[@larryjackson7701]

@scotty Kilmer I have a 03 Lincoln town car executive, I tap the spark plug hole and now it won't crank just keep flood spark plug 3.. what could be the issue

[@scottykilmer]

the light fires every time the spark plug fires. that's the ignition timing on the engine, and when shone on the timing mark on the engine, it shows if timing is correct or not

[@henrik-josefsson]

I like your voice man , you could be the lead-singer in a rock-band !!!

[@theoneandonlyrustyshaklefo6256]

Alex Williams nice to find a fellow true ac/dc fan.

[@martystevens8357]

He drives around in a herse!! Is there such a thing as a Hise?

[@Offshore1977]

Or Steven Perry from Journey

[@Bushblockbaby]

im studying to become an auto tech I buy cars mostly old Hondas and Toyotas and buicks your videos help a lot its surprising how little people view this I feel like everyone should know at least something abt cars

[@charliearroyo4809]

Francisco Jose they do know a very little. How to put gas in, how to start and stop it, and how to call Triple A.

[@jimmysapien9961]

Very true

[@scottykilmer]

You can try, often using the inductive coil pick up of the timing light will flash IF you put the pick up on top of a coil on plug assembly on the engine. But if not, they make adaptors for checking coil on plug systems.

[@robertparkes4982]

I would love Scotty to look after my cars !!!

[@scottykilmer]

yes, works on any model, if tensioner is worn to the max and timing goes off, time for a new belt

[@scottykilmer]

no, it works, and chains can stretch a ton before pistons will hit valves

[@xTRVLNMANx]

Love those M54 engines in that BMW. Chains are so reliable over belts. Much better to spend the money on replacing the belt before it snaps and shreds the valves than spending at least $1500 for fixing the heads.

[@Simmuh2]

Wish my car would have a belt

[@jake06750]

Yes I’m so glad I have a timing chain on my Honda. I checked the engine specs for my mom’s Lexus and my brother’s Nissan and thankfully they also have chains. We do our routine maintenance on a regular basis so never have to worry about rubber belts that rot and break over time.

[@scottykilmer]

jack it up, check for play, has to be there somewhere, ball joints, tie rods, sway bar bushings, something

[@dmcadik]

I can't see where u placed the marking at. Could u edit the video to show where

[@LukeHatchet]

Same

[@scottykilmer]

don't know what you really mean by "jump", but check the motor mounts is they are worn the engine will jump when you do that.

[@jakestech28]

I replaced the Timing Chain on my Toyota Pickup, it was one hell of a job but it was one fun experience

[@dannyguz1258]

"Fun"

[@andomadsen3743]

Hey Scotty, Young Canadian lassie on a mission to find her next car after her 2000 Civic was totalled by B&E damage. We have amazing mechanics like yourself whom we've been dealing with as a family for the last 30 years, and they have given us amazing advice. I'm off tomorrow to walk a lot and have a gander at some 6-8 year old Toyota's and Mazda 3's. So aside from summarizing my story for you - I want to say thanks. I give your videos a 10/10 for style and allaying my fears of screwing up in a search for a car. Greetings from the land of Metric Measurements!

[@richards779]

Thanks for a clear and precise presentation - a mechanic told me you cannot check the status of a timing belt. I suspected he just wanted money to change it!

[@AR1G3]

He was right. You can't determine what condition the belt is in with a stroboscope. The belt has specified intervals where it needs to be replaced, replace it at those intervals and you will never even have to check it. So in a way, this video is irrelevant.

[@rodgerbruce1]

that's fine until buy a used car and not sure if or when belt was replaced

[@AR1G3]

If you buy a car without service history and you're not sure, replace the belt. Simple as that. No need to check it. There are so many factors about the belt that you can't check, just not worth it.

[@mydogskips2]

+AR1G3 That's easy to say, but most people either don't have or don't want to pay the money to replace the timing belt unless it's necessary; my understanding is that it's a fairly expensive job.

[@AR1G3]

Costs less than the damage you'll have when the belt snaps. Checking the belt doesn't guarantee anything, there is absolutely no way of confirming the condition of the belt. A mechanic will only be able to make a wild guess based on how the belt looks, but that's it. I once bought a car which had a 10yr old belt, the car wasn't used that much so the belt actually looked pretty good. But keeping a 10yr old belt on a car is just asking for trouble. IF you don't want to replace the belt, buy a car with service history. Together with the brakes this is the only component in your car you should never cheap out on.

[@scottykilmer]

you can if you hook it up to read the spark plug firing, many inductive timing lights like this will pick up on coil on plugs if you place it on them

[@frankfisher1527]

I prefer a timing chain, lasts longer more durable. old school is still the best way as far as mechanical operation.

[@dennis1143]

Its not

[@dillonkoch72]

it's $30 for a timing chain and most american engines arent interference engines like Japanes. if a timing belt breaks on a japanese engine the engine is most likely toast after that

[@kevinrdee9273]

yodaddy nuggems (some) old japanese car s are non interferance engines like the old toyota carina... If the belt breaks.. the Newer japanese models no tho.

[@scottykilmer]

it can only make it move a few degrees, not the wild changes of a worn chain, and the readings would be off to begin with on the itming mark with a worn chain

[@Iaapwm]

Always look forward to your intro, Great video,,,,, Thanks from Lismore NSW Australia.

[@scottykilmer]

well, set up the timing by cranking it and reading it and seeing if the dist timing was moved when you hit it. pray it's that easy

[@cherencueca7]

hey scotty how can you check the timing belt with the timing light test on my toyota celica gt 2001 when these toyotas dont have spark plugs cables only ignition coils so how can i use the timing light?? give me a an advice thanks or if you know how to check the timing chain let me know thanks

[@chrismills8927]

cherencueca7 bit late but you can buy spark plug check cords that are basically an extension un bolt the coil pack if it's a singular pack for all plugs like some GM engines you will have to have multiple connectors put it between the coil and the plug and put the clamp on that

[@autodidacticartisan]

Or just change it to be safe. $50 if you do it yourself then you don't have to worry about it

[@scottykilmer]

you can put any battery in you want, and adaptors can be purchased to make one fit the other style.

[@stillbashingmetal]

How can you use this method on a diesel engine?

[@chrismills8927]

Sign in Here you would need a diesel timing light

[@bertramsay2904]

I think that you can get a light gun for diesel engine but I think it's a different type of light gun.

[@C3LM4RFG]

you can use the same light gun but you need an adaptor that senses the pressure in your line and converts it to a signal

[@scottykilmer]

many things can do that, but if it turns over slow, a weak battery or weak starter often does that IF the ignition timing is not too far advanced, check that too

[@demetrios4699]

You look like Dennis Hopper and sound like Joe Pesci in the movie CASINO.

[@scottykilmer]

generally a worn or loose fan belt on the engine.replace any cracked or loose belt and check the auto tensioner to make sure it's working

[@QuantumValley123]

Before it's too late! Lol!!!!

[@scottykilmer]

most cars don't use that system anymore but if yours has it, yes.

[@scottykilmer]

On some modern engines, yes. But many still use conventional cam sensors that would show worn chains.

[@dabearcub]

97 Celica...I'm the 2nd owner, 99k miles. The belt should be replaced, but my mechanic in Philly said it would be $1,000 - is that fair? I have no shot doing it myself...sorry, I love your videos but it happening for me. Thanks Scotty.

[@scottykilmer]

no, just take your time, old engines are easy to work on.If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event where you can ask me questions Live. You do have to be a member of google plus, but that's free and you can just google "join google plus" for that. thanks,

[@scottykilmer]

the indductive sensor will flash if placed on the coil on plug assembly

[@scottykilmer]

when it does it, put your hands carefully around the exhaust manifold to see if it's that leaking. Also check the valves for clacking, worn hydraulic lifters do that too.,

[@scottykilmer]

a diesel doesn't use spark plugs. If it's not diesel, remove the plastic top covering them on the engine

[@scottykilmer]

worn timing belts or the water pump that they drive being worn will make that noise, BUT sound would come from behind the timing belt cover, check that first.

[@scottykilmer]

most auto parts stores sell battery terminal adaptors. But a lawn mower battery isn't going to start any decent sized car, they are just too low cranking amps.

[@scottykilmer]

try the cap and pray. Distributors are rather expensive. Change the distributor assembly if the cap and rotor inside don't fix it

[@scottykilmer]

yes, it must be set correctly, have it replaced

[@scottykilmer]

NO, cold most have that amount of slack.If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event where you can ask me questions Live. You do have to be a member of google plus, but that's free and you can just google "join google plus" for that. thanks

[@scottykilmer]

normally that's worn out engine internals like valves or pistons whacking.Have a pro listen, we've heard em all and know just by listening

[@scottykilmer]

no, when it's icy outside, second gear has less torque, hence the wheels have less of a tendency to slip on ice due to this smaller amount of power available

[@scottykilmer]

often none at all other than the light being on. Those evap pollution systems are just to not vent gasoline vapor from the gas tank. They often have no effect on engine running at all.

[@scottykilmer]

something is rubbing, pray it's the starter dragging and not a bad flywheel or other worn internal engine parts like bearings

[@scottykilmer]

generally just fan belts, replace em if they are cracked, tighten them if they aren't

[@scottykilmer]

check the fan belts first, worn or loose ones often do that. If not, a bad power steering pump could be it

[@scottykilmer]

Modern cars don't even use distributors, and somewhat older cars like GMs had dists in them, but they were not adjustable as the computer system did that. computers control timing in all modern cars these days.

[@scottykilmer]

yes, they wear, get loose, and make noise on those, I'm working on a 90 200 sx with that problem today.

[@scottykilmer]

no, most inductive timing lights will flash when you place the inductor on top of a coil on plug system and it picks up the firing that way

[@scottykilmer]

you're on your own there, they were made with a notch, if it has been changed you would have to put engine at TDC, then paint a line on the crank to use.

[@AsiAzzy]

Very informative brief easy to understand videos. I have one mention for this video: Strobe lamps are connected to the spark plug wire, but the delay angle of ignition CHANGES while reving up the engine so it's normal to see the mark go away from the normal position. And if you add some cam phasers (bmw vanos and other names for each manufacturer) things get complicated. Plus: Most modern cars do not have ignition wires to hook the lamp. Ignition coils are directly on top of spark plugs.

[@scottykilmer]

yes, of course you have to check that when you take the engine apart IF the timing was messed up as in the video.

[@scottykilmer]

replace the turn signal flasher, places like auto zone sell em and can show you where it's located on their computer screen

[@scottykilmer]

sure, it will move, it will advance, but it won't jump back and forth as a worn chain or belt would.

[@scottykilmer]

find where it's leaking out, if you changed the crank pulley, perhaps you damaged the crank seal, see if the oil comes out there

[@scottykilmer]

yes, I agree if you don't know the full history

[@maximuscomfort]

As usual, your information is spot on. Those cam belts were or are the rip off of the century. Thanks for simplifying automotive maintenance.

[@scottykilmer]

just depends what gets broken, can be just valves, or heads too, or even piston tops

[@scottykilmer]

yes, it should be overhead cam, get your vin number, call a dealer, they can tell you for sure as that info is in the vin number

[@GlennnD]

I'm watching these video's of Scotty a lot last three days. Great work man ! It's clear, no bullshitting around. Just straight to the point.

[@scottykilmer]

Reserve capacity is the number of minutes a battery can maintain a useful voltage under a 25 ampere discharge. The higher the minute rating, the greater the battery's ability to run lights, pumps, inverters, and electronics for a longer period before recharging is necessary.

[@scottykilmer]

you just find a timing light and hook it up as in this video. If it has a spout connector, you bypass that by unplugging the two wires and then loosen the dist and set the timing at idle speed

[@scottykilmer]

you can place the inductive measurer on top of a coil on plug, it should register firing with the light flashing then.

[@scottykilmer]

yes, put the inductive sensor of the timing light on top of a coil on plug, it will flash from that

[@scottykilmer]

MANY things can do that, but try my video "how to fix a car that idles poorly" first and pray that fixes it.

[@scottykilmer]

yes, if you change your oil frequently chains can last as long as the car

[@scottykilmer]

a good inductive pick up light will pick up signals just sitting on top of the coil on plug. Try a better model.

[@scottykilmer]

they often make noise and clank around when idling, the idle speed can vascillate, and it can accelerate poorly

[@Smashachu]

Scotty..Scott... Scott my guy. Wasting time and energy, that's an understatement, I just spent an entire week ripping my engine bay apart to find nothing wrong with my chain. I'm gonna need some beers stat.

[@scottykilmer]

many things can go wrong, big job. go back and pray you left a wire off one of the sensors. If not, try my video "fixing a car that cranks but doens't start up"

[@KingCorvette]

Scotty, your videos are always extremely helpful. My Kia Spectra has just hit the mileage where I need to inspect/replace the timing belt, but I've been too scared to open it up just to check it. This sounds perfect.

[@scottykilmer]

yes, but you have to remove the timing cover and check the alignment marks on the crank and cam, big hassle

[@scottykilmer]

yes, because of both age and mileage, it is rubber after all.

[@scottykilmer]

na, they last 90 thousand or 7 years. And yes, get it carboned cleaned to see if that stops the noise

[@scottykilmer]

lay the inductive part on any of the ignition coil on plug tops, it should read that

[@scottykilmer]

often bad tires do that, broken belts inside will get round again once spinning fast.

[@scottykilmer]

yes, they often do that

[@scottykilmer]

fuel for that baby was originally well over 100 octane. Today you can't buy the stuff. But if you can buy 5 gallons of aviation fuel from a private airport, see if it stops, and if it does, that's life on an old muscle car

[@scottykilmer]

yes, when that happens normally the pistons end up whacking the valves and bending them, realize that. Engine probably has head damage now.

[@spelunkerd]

Nice to see there's still a role for old school technology.

[@scottykilmer]

they are different as they don't have ignition systems so a timing light is useless on them.

[@scottykilmer]

put the inductive clamp on top of the coils, and it should make the light pulse as they fire

[@scottykilmer]

the timing mark on the cam is at about 10 oclock where it matches a line on the head itself. This is according to my alldata info system

[@scottykilmer]

yes, but it moves and stays there. it doesn't jump around like a worn chain would make it

[@Stratisfied22]

That 6th gen celica is the best car ever made. I had 2 of them and never ever broke down on me or gave me any issues and i bought them both used. Wish they still made em like that.

[@chass5438]

I have a 2001 Saturn L200 with the standard 2.2 engine, not the eco-tech model, which these developed timing chain tensioner issues. It now has had a ticking in the lower or mid part of the engine for about a month now. I stopped driving it since I first heard it incase it's something serious. It's not the lifter ? area. My shop manual doesn't state these have lifters tho. Called something else I don't recall off hand right now. Long story short, is it possible this could be a chain slack issue ? I've never known them to "Tick" like a lifter tho. This starts when it's warmed up, not on cold start-up. Can you test with a timing light with this type of engine with coil packs ? Thanks for your great info video's. BTW, the oil pan was pulled by my mechanic and found no issues there. He did find a flywheel flexplate bolt 1/4 of the way loose and a possible crack in the FP. He has no answers for me from there for the cause without digging farther into the engine. Thanks for any suggestions. I really don't like contacting techs thru KZbin posts, so please excuse any issues this may cause.

[@chass5438]

+Chas S: I think my answer for the "Coil Pack" testing is answered below.

[@scottykilmer]

+Chas S yea, don't buy one of those, they weren't such hot cars. Really, you'd have to tear the engine down to find the actual true problems and spending that kind of money on one of those is foolhardy. Drive it till it drops, then junk it

[@scottykilmer]

no, it's a better test on a cold engine as the chains would wobble more when cold

[@scottykilmer]

depends on the car, IF it has hydraulic lifters, they often click from old age. In such a case, if it runs fine, many live with it.

[@1386922014107]

Quick and to the point. Love this guy. I searched exactly this and this is what I got

[@kayabtin6861]

Hay Scotty. You are the best mechanic in the world. Period !

[@scottykilmer]

thanks for the support!

[@WoofnSmash]

The BMW e46 M54 engine is great! I love it, I have around 200K on my car, regular oil changes is key! You're awesome Scotty! I watch your videos all the time! Very informative! You won a subscriber!

[@Anonymous-mq8gv]

You poor soul. That rolling garbage can is bound to leave you stranded someday.

[@Hugh_Hunt]

I swear, I watch these vids just for the intro. Altho very informative, I choose these vids because of the intro... and the head shaking. Keep up the good work! And Stay dirty.

[@scottykilmer]

Yes, old man was with patton. It should have no play at all, but realize saab is now bankrupt and so their cars are basically valueless now, and can cost tons to fix. Never go too far with a saab, me, if I could unload it, I'd do it now.

[@scottykilmer]

it has a chain.If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event where you can ask me questions Live. You do have to be a member of google plus, but that's free and you can just google "join google plus" for that. thanks,

[@scottykilmer]

leave it alone and keep changing the oil regularly. Water pumps leak when they go bad, if it's not leaking, leave it too

[@djhayesjr1]

love you channel, I am a certified FORD tech and its nice to find tricks from older generations..

[@scottykilmer]

often as long as the car if you change oil frequently

[@scottykilmer]

those VVT systems are insanely complex, find a better mechanic with a machine as in my video "fixingmodern cars using high level scan computers" to get a correct diagnosis and test done. But if you've been bad, really dirty oil can set that code and new oil and filter can fix it

[@scottykilmer]

yea, kias aren't such hot vehicles, and they often do not stand behind their cars or their work. But you have five years, and it will probably break by then

[@dennisblewett5768]

Scotty Kilmer, I can't tell where the white line is at 1:35. Could you please clarify where that spot is? I believe I see it when you have the belt spinning later on in the video; but I cannot see it before then.

[@craigdelange5785]

Thank you for sharing, I have an Alfa GT and reading how to do it they said I needed a TDC and locking kit etc but this looks much easier and I trust your experience to do it this way. Thank you so much what you share really does help so many people.

[@scottykilmer]

yes, the inductive ones will work on coil on plugs