Timing belt or timing chain problem

A problem with the timing belt will create a situation where the valves are opened at the wrong time. This will result in a loss of engine power and can lead to stalling and backfiring. The belt may be slipping, detached, or set to the wrong time. All of these can create issues with engine operation.

Table of Contents

• 1. Symptoms
  • 1.1 Engine Stalls

Symptoms

Engine Stalls

The timing belt sets the timing of the valves opening and closing to the position of the pistons and the rotation of the crankshaft. If the timing belt is slipping, or off, the valves will not open at the proper time. This will result in the engine not receiving enough fuel, or loss of power. The engine will eventually stall, as the timing is set to keep the engine in operation.

Backfiring may also occur as the exhaust valve opens too early and allows the burning fuel to enter the exhaust manifold.