Can a timing advance unit cause engine knock?

One of the earliest symptoms of a problem with the automatic timing advance unit is engine knock. Engine knock occurs when the air-fuel mixture is ignited before the optimum timing, causing uneven combustion to occur. Uneven combustion can cause engine knock, which in turn can cause permanent damage to the engine if left unchecked.

What are the symptoms of a bad automatic timing advance unit?

Another symptom of a problem with the automatic timing advance unit, one more specific to diesel engines, is excessive black smoke from the tailpipe.

What are the symptoms of a bad timing chain?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Chain. 1 1. Engine misfires or runs poorly. There are two ways to achieve valve timing in a combustion engine. The first is the two-gear method, which includes 2 2. Metal shavings found in the oil. 3 3. Engine won’t start or fails. 4 4. Check Engine Light is on. 5 5. Engine rattles while idling.

What happens when fuel is ignited at the same 10 degree timing?

As the engine rpm increases to 3,000 rpm, the fuel, — still requiring the same time to burn — would never have sufficient time to burn if ignited at the same 10-degree timing. In order to have the same result, the fuel must be ignited much sooner in the compression stroke.

What happens when the timing is wrong on an engine?

But when worn parts allow crankshaft backlash without tightly bringing the cam along with it, the timing jumps. This timing error then causes a no-start or poor engine performance the next time the engine is cranked. The condition created by this malfunction concerns the engine’s breathing and combustion.

What happens if you have a timing malfunction?

Approach a timing problem with caution. When you think a cam timing malfunction has occurred, don’t assume a simple chain, gear, sprocket or belt replacement is all that’s necessary. The timing error could have caused internal engine damage, especially to the valves and pistons.

What happens when you have a camshaft timing error?

When a cam timing error slithers in, it can arrive from either of two directions: A cam drive either wears and becomes loose and jumps a tooth or more, or it completely breaks. In either case, camshaft timing often rattles a death song and the engine quits. Approach a timing problem with caution.

What kind of advance timing does an engine use?

This started out in most older engines. They used either vacuum advances or centrifugal advances, to set the right advance timing. Whereas, modern engines have the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to dictate the advance needed, at a given engine speed.