5 Signs Your Porsche's Timing Chain Is About To Give Out

Timing chain failure is one of those things that can cause substantial damage to a car engine. To put it another way, you stand to lose a lot of money if your Porsche’s timing chain gets damaged or comes loose. Recognizing the signs of timing chain failure at the earliest possible time is therefore very important. Below we have put together a few explanations as to why your Porsche’s timing chain may fail and the signs it will give off in the process.

Decoding the Causes of Porsche Timing Chain Failure

In a nutshell, the timing chain consists of numerous metal links connected by metal pins. There is another crucial component that we almost forgot to mention here is the tensioner; the part that applies optimal tension on the timing chain so that it doesn’t miss teeth on sprockets as the engine operates.

Listed below are a few potential reasons why your Porsche's timing chain may fail;

 Defective tensioner

 Engine seizure

 Reached max. useful life

 Irregular engine servicing

Signs That Indicate Timing Chain Failure in Porsche

A timing chain will exhibit a few symptoms before it fails. Some of them are listed below;

Clue #1- Rattling noise when starting car

One of the earliest indications that your Porsche's timing chain has become loose is the emergence of a rattling noise from the engine compartment. When you try to start the engine, the noise will be more apparent. The noise simply suggests that there is something wrong with the timing chain tensioner that needs to be addressed immediately. A worn chain guide may also contribute to the loosening of the timing chain and the emergence of rattling noise.

Clue #2- Engine misfire

Has your Porsche engine recently been running rough and exhibiting signs of cylinder misfire? Well, it could be due to a defective timing chain. Keeping the rotation of the cam and crankshafts in sync is the responsibility of the timing chain, as we have already described. If the timing chain deforms, that synchronization will be disrupted. This, in turn, will result in all sorts of drivability problems including engine misfire.

Clue #3- Engine won't start

Vehicle starting issues are frequently attributed to a failing battery. But guess what??? Several other factors, such as a broken timing chain, could also be to blame for a car's starting problems. So, if you are struggling to breathe life into your Porsche engine, have someone check on its timing chain along with the battery. Also, get the timing chain tensioner tested. If it is defective, consider replacing it right away.

Clue #4- Blinking engine light

The flickering of the check engine light is yet another obvious indicator of a timing chain breakdown in a car. Since the timing chain ensures that the engine's cam and crankshafts rotate in tandem; if it becomes worn, the engine's performance will suffer. And as soon as the engine control module learns of this fault, it will turn on the check engine light to alert the driver of the issue.

Clue #5- Metal shavings in oil

The presence of metal shavings in the oil is yet another indication that something is amiss with your Porsche's timing chain. It also indicates that it is time to change your Porsche engine oil and filter.

Tips To Check a Timing Chain

As soon as you see any one or more of the above-said signs, you should check your Porsche's timing chain condition. Evaluating the condition of a timing chain is a lengthy and complex process and often involves the following steps;

#1- The first thing that you should do is remove the distributor cap and spark plugs.

#2- Rotate the crankshaft counter-clockwise at least twice while tightening the harmonic balancer bolt with a wrench. The process will remove any slack from the timing chain.

#3- Then, set the timing mark on the harmonic balancer to TDC or top dead center on the timing tab. Then rotate the crankshaft clockwise while having an eye on the distributor rotor.

#4- When the rotor tip starts to move, stop rotating the crankshaft and note down the degree of stretch on the timing tab. If the reading exceeds 4o to 5o, it's time to replace your timing chain.

Wrapping Up

It's the timing chain that keeps your Porsche's crank and camshaft rotating in unison. If it wears out, you will encounter all sorts of performance-related problems. And, yes… a defective timing chain may result in catastrophic engine failure in your Porsche. It is therefore important that you check on your Porsche's timing chain periodically and reach out to a reputed independent Porsche service center if you find a flaw.