s2k0utlaw

Ok so im pretty sure my timing chain tensioner broke, because it makes that notorious ticking sound from under the hood. Well its been making that noise for a few weeks but still drove fine so i kept on driving the car, till one day i tried to merge on the freeway and give it a little punch, while giving it gas the car kinda felt like it slightly bogged and CEL kicked in. I was careless and unaware of that noise the car was making until i got annoyed and looked it up. So from what im hearing, i could have bent all my valves! Could anyone tell me what usually happens if you drive with the broken timing chain tensioner?

And what am i possibly looking at cost wise to repair the car, in the worst case scenario.


thanks guys

BlakeNFR

You're looking at a new head. Shouldn't ignore the TCT. It puts the pressure against the chain so this doesn't happen.

d-bo

I have a ap1 head if you need one. has valves, springs, retainers. Just no cams or cam gears

realblag

Do not try to start the car. Pull the valve cover, check the timing marks. If they are off, put it back in time and do a compression test. Maybe you got lucky and didn't destroy the head.

Billman250

A bad TCT does not cause timing jump or bent valves.

Post a sound clip of your noise and you'll get answers you can use

Switchblade

So a bad TCT would just make a noise? No other "catastrophic" effects?

dwight

Doesn't the chain rub against something to make that noise? I'm sure that'll eventually cause problems if you neglect it.

Billman250

The chain and guides will wear prematurely if TCT noise is allowed to persist.

In extreme cases, the chain can break.