We love our engines
It was pouring rain last Tuesday when Sarah rolled into my shop with her 2016 Honda Accord. Water dripping from her soaked jacket, she described that awful timing chain tensioner noise – you know the one: a rapid-fire tick-tick-tick-tick that sounds like marbles in a blender. “It started after I hit a pothole on I-95,” … Read more
Quick Answer: Timing chain problems typically manifest as metallic rattling noises during cold starts, rough idling, or illuminated check engine lights with codes like P0016/P0017. Replacement requires 10-14 hours for DIYers and costs $1,200-$2,500 professionally. Critical failure points include tensioner wear and guide rail fractures. Opening: The 3 A.M. Breakdown That Changed Everything Rain lashed against the shop windows at 2:47 A.M. when Sarah brought in her 2016 … Read more
Quick Answer: Timing belts typically need replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles and can cause catastrophic engine damage if they fail. Timing chains last longer but can develop noise and wear issues. Watch for symptoms like ticking noises, oil leaks near the timing cover, or Check Engine lights with cam/crank correlation codes. Opening: The Day Everything Stopped Cold … Read more