Timing Chains, Gears & Guides

Many newer engines use timing chains or gear trains instead of timing belts. Chains are designed for long life but stretch with extended oil change intervals, poor oil quality and high soot loads in diesel engines, leading to rattling, timing faults and eventually tooth skip or guide failure.

This category covers timing chains, sprockets, guides and rails, hydraulic tensioners, timing gear sets and chain kits. Specify by engine code and version, since chain length, link count and tensioner design often change during an engine's production life. Kits should include all guides, tensioners and sprockets that wear together. For belt-driven engines, see timing belts.