How to Tell if Your Timing Cover Is Failing

A timing cover is a metal or plastic enclosure that covers and protects the timing components of your engine from dirt, dust, and debris. The timing components are the parts that connect your crankshaft to your camshaft. They are responsible for the correct synchronization of the motion of the pistons, which are connected to the crankshaft, with the motion of the intake and exhaust valves, which are controlled by the camshaft(s). Depending on the design of your specific engine, you will have one of the two different types of timing systems:

• Timing chain: This system uses a metal chain(s) to connect and synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft. The chain is exposed to a steady flow of lubricating engine oil, which reduces friction and cools the chain as it operates. A gasket is used between the timing cover and the engine, to seal in the oil and keep out dirt. Under normal circumstances, your timing chain should last the life of your engine.

• Timing belt: This system uses a rubber belt to connect and synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft. The belt is not lubricated, and it operates in a dry environment. The purpose of the timing cover and its gasket is simply to provide a tight seal, protecting the timing belt from dirt and debris. Your timing belt is a wear item that will need to be replaced at regular intervals (check your owner’s manual).

What are the signs of a bad timing cover?

A bad timing cover can cause problems for your engine, primarily because it can allow oil to leak out, and dirt and debris to enter. If a leak from your timing cover gets bad or is neglected, it may lead to a variety of issues, including serious engine damage. There are several signs of a bad timing cover:

• You see oil leaking from the timing cover area: You may notice that there are oil leaks coming from your timing cover, usually from the edge where the gasket seals your timing cover to the rest of the engine. You may also observe a puddle of oil on the ground under your engine. This is most likely an indicator of a bad timing cover gasket, which your mechanic can replace. There could also be physical damage to your timing cover, preventing it from sealing properly. Look for cracks that may be the source of the problem.

• Your oil level remains low: As part of your routine maintenance process, you should be checking your oil level at regular intervals, to be sure that your engine has sufficient oil to stay healthy. If you see that your oil level reads consistently below the full mark, even after you top it up, you could have a bad timing cover that is steadily leaking oil. If you do not check your oil often enough, you may learn of this condition when your dashboard oil warning light comes on.

• Your engine runs rough or misfires: A bad timing cover can allow dirt and other undesirable items to get into the area where your timing mechanism is operating. This can damage your timing belt or chain, as well as the other components of our timing mechanism, affecting the proper operation of your engine. Catastrophic damage can follow, if the problem is not fixed promptly. Get your car to the repair shop immediately. Your Check Engine Light comes on: If your bad timing cover has produced an oil leak that have caused a major oil loss, your engine temperature will increase, and there may also be a loss of vacuum, affecting the engine’s normal operating status. This can trigger the illumination of your Check Engine Light. Be in touch with your mechanic and get the problem resolved quickly.

Should you drive your car with a bad timing cover?

If you have a minor oil leak from your timing cover, and it is not producing any noticeable oil loss, noises, or misfiring, it is not necessarily an urgent issue. Monitor it regularly, and also be sure to check your oil level for any sudden drops. If it gets any worse, you see cracks in your timing cover, or you notice any of the other symptoms of a bad timing cover, get your car to the repair shop without delay.

How do you fix a bad timing cover?

Many cases of a bad timing cover turn out to be caused by a leaking timing cover gasket. This can be fixed by removing the timing cover and the bad gasket, cleaning up the oil that leaked out, checking for and cleaning out any dirt and debris that may have gotten inside, cleaning the surfaces where the gasket seals, and reinstalling the timing cover with a fresh new gasket. While the timing cover is off, this is a great time to check the condition of the timing chain and associated components, or to see if the timing belt should be replaced. Have your mechanic take care of any repairs or replacements to these items, if required, before closing everything up.

Another possibility is that the timing cover itself may have cracked and then leaked. The fix for this is a new timing cover, along with a new gasket. All of the timing cover bolts should be correctly tightened and torqued for a proper seal.

Can you replace a bad timing cover by yourself?

Unless you have very good automotive mechanical skills, and have done this job before, replacing a bad timing cover is not something you should attempt. There are often several other components in the way of the timing cover, such as the power steering pump, the air conditioning compressor, and the alternator. These parts will have to be removed first, and then reinstalled after the timing cover repair is completed. If you get the bad timing cover off and discover that the timing belt or timing chain needs repair or replacement, it has just become a very complex job. You will be much better off leaving this one to your mechanic, who has the expertise, as well as the right tools and equipment to do the job right the first time.