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

Timing belt inspection. How to check a timing belt in your car DIY with Scotty Kilmer. How to check timing chain. How to tell if the timing belt or timing chain is worn, rattling, or close to failure. It's a relatively expensive job replacing them, so you don't want to spend a bunch of money for nothing. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 43 years.
⬇️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
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#savagescotty

[@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

[@henrik-josefsson]

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

[@See6H12O6]

His voice reminds me of Brian Johnson from AC/DC; I can just imagine him singing "You jumped my timing chain all night long" :)

[@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?

[@CarnutMM]

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

[@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.

[@robertparkes4982]

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

[@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

[@Iaapwm]

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

[@Chex67]

Hello Scotty, thank you for taking the time out to make very informative videos!

[@EnchanetdSomething]

This is now the second time I've stumbled upon your channel while looking for car info. Entertaining videos and a wealth of knowledge. Time I subscribed.

[@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.

[@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"

[@1386922014107]

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

[@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]

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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@RXRom4]

Merry Christmas Scotty! Thank you for always showing us how to get things fixed on cars.

[@tribon264]

Hi Scotty I just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your videos in the last year and I've learned a fair bit too. So I wish you a great Christmas and new year. Cheers mate, John

[@dmcadik]

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

[@LukeHatchet]

Same

[@demetrios4699]

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

[@DanWalterTradeview]

Thanks Scotty for putting this video together.

[@scottykilmer]

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. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go go to this link plus.google.com/u/0/communities/110758243155230074828 and join my community. You will be told each week that a new event is happening the coming Saturday, and you can also ask questions there at my community also. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free. And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, don’t miss them.

[@DanWalterTradeview]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@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.

[@QuantumValley123]

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

[@bobv8219]

Perfect timing Scotty I've got a problem with my 22re your timing couldn't have been any better just in time times on my side you have a good time now thanks Scotty see you next time

[@thoedessay89]

good mechanic gets to the point knows what he's doing good stuff sir keep em coming

[@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

[@thundercuck1779]

scotty kilmer you are amazing man you should hire an apprentice or something

[@franciscovegarivera1026]

MLG420 Mcswaggerten

[@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.

[@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.

[@djhinormas959]

dude i love ur vids so many things are good about them heaps of info u dont drag it out i just watch them good times

[@williamholden2385]

Really appreciate your video's, very nice work - - short, Accurate and to the point Thank you

[@int53185]

Thanks for the videos. Merry Christmas Scotty.

[@ashleyseman176]

First video I've ever watched on this channel and I absolutely lost it at the end!

[@Stellerex]

Great info as always Scotty, Nice to know this timing gun is out on the market. Thanks! Keep the great work up and videos coming.

[@kayabtin6861]

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

[@scottykilmer]

thanks for the support!

[@PaulKasner]

Wow! How easy is that? Thanks, Scotty! You're a legend.

[@spelunkerd]

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

[@gonne16]

Great video. Thanks Scotty I just replaced the chain on one of my cars, was bad and was needed, now I can check the chain on my other car with your advice. Thanks

[@jeremyeldee5205]

Yeah, this is very helpful. I just bought a high mileage Tribute and 'm worried about the chain which I'm about to check when the snow stops. Thanks

[@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.

[@briankdrag]

Any day that Scotty posts a new video is a good day!

[@djhayesjr1]

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

[@alexc.126]

Scotty, Great video, and awesome hearse! I had a white '90 Fleetwood (FWD) hearse built by Superior, Loved that car!

[@glennwilson19]

hello from england scotty! absolutely love your videos!

[@SilenceAkyn]

Scotty you are absolutely amazing!

[@cgman9165]

Great videos keep them coming

[@johnnyfukpig8691]

Thanks for these videos. Very informative.

[@jedediahbc]

Your so helpful, thank you for all your videos.

[@dominus4uu]

U are the best I like your shows u learn people for free this is huge tanks

[@SevenStarAlliance0211]

man u made me buy one and now is easy to check timing .thank sir..Scotty

[@krisperkreme6021]

love your videos

[@koizora3430]

i am from saudi arabia i really like watching your video mr scoty rev up your engine best part heheh god bless you man and thank you for this beautiful channel

[@paulwoodhouse3617]

Love your videos Scotty, keep them up mate. I'm in Brisbane Australia and have a Commodore with the old Ecotec V6 engine, coming up to 400,000 Kms. I'm planning on replacing the timing chain as there has been a tapping noise for some time and I can't identify where it's coming from. I reckon it would do it good to renew chain and tensioner, probably water pump also.

[@thermicphil]

Great videos!

[@MrJamesHefner]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.

[@solomontanyi5434]

Hi, these videos are awesome. thanks

[@domcummins4148]

Tremendous advice!!

[@ringbolt9]

great tip as always

[@bax450]

You always seem vibrant and full of energy in your videos. xD

[@mackormicdavid2166]

Great video ,continue the good work,best regards.

[@jaygresso9138]

thank you for the reply scotty . that makes perfect sense

[@BoromirTiric]

thank you for reply. I checked it more carefully and disovered that two of 5 injectors were partially leaking instead of spraying all the way down...when I apply the pressure manually it sprays excellent, but if I just pressurize it slightly it leaks! Sticking needle at some position...I replaced them with two other nozzles and it works a way better...I will replace them all.

[@stang4ever1]

Thanks for the quick reply, I will double check both in the morning.

[@greentegra]

hi scotty i enjoy watching and learning from ur videos and live car talk ive learned alot and keep learning. i have a 06 mazda 5 car/wagon with both sliding doors behind driver passenger doors with 122 k miles on engine auto/manual transmission. i checked engine oil its overfull also needs to b changed its not thick anymore problem is theres a timing noise as i accelerate its louder deccelerate it calms down like a clicking weird sound. not a squeaky sound of pulleys. even the sound of the valves ticking has nothing to do with the sound on the timing belt area.. does the timing belt need to b replaced? is the timing off original timing setting? does it need adjustment with timing light? what is that sound ? is it a warning that can break down the 2.3 dohc vvt engine?

[@dkeny55]

ok, thanks very much. love your down to earth advice.

[@CuLonTeo]

thanks for all the great info about timing the timing belt/chain. but I have a question for you. how can u tell if the brake hose is bad or the caliber ? thanks again

[@sajjadagha8907]

You are amazing mate.

[@petec6033]

Thank You, Scotty.

[@thestang8289]

+Scotty Kilmer "Before it's too late" this guy is amazing

[@thecrazymanfromireland]

Great video bud

[@theerazor79]

You Rock! I love your videos good job.

[@jaycore21]

i like that his videos are only ever like 5 minutes. other people on youtube have like 20 minute videos to say the same thing.

[@AdelJeffreyJeffreysAuto]

Thanks man it really helped i really appreciate it.

[@dixoncider7256]

really nice tip Scotty! also gives my timing gun something to do since we dont have distributors anymore.

[@radronsradicalrides5511]

I agree. Love this guy!

[@BB-re6nz]

You seem like a good guy. Subbed!

[@azza-in_this_day_and_age]

youre the heckin best scotty! thank you!

[@ginofoogle6944]

this guy is a joy to listen to, oh and he happens to know a thing or two about cars which is okay too i guess..

[@Bigchuck678]

this video is perfect i have an 2003 Camry! Thanks scotty for making it easy for me!

[@scottykilmer]

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. I answer your car questions LIVE there. 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. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free.

[@steftacular]

Just bought a cheapo timing gun to check my chain, Thanks Scotty, you're the best!

[@stefanoszavros2199]

Hi Scotty.. Nice videos! I have replaced timing belt kit however my mechanic says he didnt change the water pump! How serious this is and how can i understand if he had changed the rest parts?, is it possible to replace solely the water pump? Many thanks

[@theerazor79]

Scotty is the best!

[@egorskippy5071]

Good work,Scotty...

[@mohtashim78]

thanks for the great video scotty... on the 1mzfe toyota, the belt is behind a cover which is hard to remove. but i guess ud have to remove the cover to do this right

[@burtjhonson2039]

Hey Scotty im a big fan thank you for all the videos. i checked my timing chain on my 92 nissan pick up d21 and i noticed that the timing chain was stretched out. Now i want to replace place it but when i went online to buy one i noticed that there are some hardened timing chains i was wondering what advice you could give me on these should i get a regular timing chain or a hardened timing chain?

[@peterjd.w794]

I interest your explains YOU ARE LEGEND!

[@shineything4444]

good one btw like the lancia stratos

[@khalidmuhammad1991]

thaaaaaank you very much, you just saved a lot of money for me

[@TRcustomengineering]

Good video. Thanks

[@banluesaksondergard4515]

Entertaining to watch Thump up mate

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, so don’t miss them.

[@TopJoo7]

I love the random video transitions. +1

[@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.

[@benslooking4coolstuff]

Another cool vid, man! I'm a Toyota freak, myself!

[@lojack15100]

hey scotty, im a big fan of your work... quick question .. can a rear timing chain be removed without taking out 4.0 sohc motor on ford explorer sport

[@lophilip]

an excellent tip!

[@barkerbiz]

Mans right. Old school. Subbed

[@agentling1]

Awesome. Thanks for your hyper-fast reply. Much appreciated. I have been changing my oil a lot more often these days, I've owned it from 47,000 and am tarting it up to make it a keeper. It has a new radiator, and have only had one patch of rust on the door sill that I've had done. Hoping it will reach 250,000 and beyond. With the oil being changed regularly, is there anything else to keep an eye on or get changed before it does any fatal damage or should changing the oil be enough? I don't accelerate hard and am motorway cruising in 6th gear most of the time.

[@zachyoung2002]

Trans fluid, steering fluid, coolant at least