{"id":87732,"date":"2023-07-21T02:42:56","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T09:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=87732"},"modified":"2023-11-04T00:34:20","modified_gmt":"2023-11-04T07:34:20","slug":"what-is-engine-timing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-engine-timing\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Engine Timing?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column_219154-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_219154-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_219154-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_219154-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_219154-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_219154-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_219154-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_219154-83{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_219154-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_219154-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_219154-83 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-52cda7  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-f98353\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d431d7-7e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d431d7-7e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_d431d7-7e\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d431d7-7e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d431d7-7e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_d431d7-7e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d431d7-7e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_d431d7-7e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_d431d7-7e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading_d431d7-7e summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_d431d7-7e\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>There are two different types of timing in an engine: cam timing and ignition timing.<\/li><li>Most modern vehicles have a combustion engine whose pistons have to complete a four-stroke cycle that continuously repeats for as long as the engine is running. These four strokes are called the intake stroke, compression stroke, power stroke, and exhaust stroke.<\/li><li>A sign of bad cam timing is your vehicle refusing to start, while a sign of bad ignition timing is hard starting.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine watching a movie where the audio wasn&rsquo;t perfectly timed to the video. It&rsquo;s the exact type of film you like too, and yet it&rsquo;s hard to appreciate the story, acting, or anything else because of the audio&rsquo;s one-second delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a way, your vehicle&rsquo;s engine is a lot like that. If the timing of any of your engine&rsquo;s parts is off by just one second, your entire engine&rsquo;s performance is compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Engine Timing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever wondered how your engine runs so seamlessly even with so many moving parts? Well, it all comes down to engine timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whenever you drive your vehicle, several parts of your engine have to constantly move in perfect harmony in order to keep your vehicle running. They follow a strict timing system that makes sure not even a single part falls behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two different types of timing in an engine: cam timing and ignition timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cam Timing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The easiest way to understand cam timing is to think of the heaviest parts of your engine and how they all repeatedly move in perfect harmony. Thanks to cam timing, these parts all move in perfect synchronization to make way for your spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture in your vehicle&rsquo;s combustion chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_1b963c-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_1b963c-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_1b963c-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_1b963c-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_1b963c-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_1b963c-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_1b963c-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_1b963c-9b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_1b963c-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_1b963c-9b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_1b963c-9b kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var( --global-kb-row-default-top, 25px );padding-bottom:var( --global-kb-row-default-bottom, 25px );padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;padding-right:32px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;padding-right:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}#kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone pro-tip-wrap\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_8ccec9-2a\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-gutter-none kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-right-golden  kt-custom-first-width-10  kt-custom-second-width-90\"><style>.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_e63842-33{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_e63842-33 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_e63842-33 kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image_1dae49-81.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_1dae49-81 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_1dae49-81.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_1dae49-81 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_1dae49-81 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image_1dae49-81 .image-is-svg, .kb-image_1dae49-81 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_1dae49-81 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_1dae49-81\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-2 kadence-column_f0a2ed-3e pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\n           On newer engines, cam timing is variable for maximum efficiency but on older engines, the timing was fixed.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>When your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/piston\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"pistons\">pistons<\/a> move up and down, they have to be perfectly timed with the opening and closing of your valves. Of course, this movement also relies on the rotation of your engine&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/crankshaft\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"crankshaft\">crankshaft<\/a>, which is linked to the camshaft by an engine timing belt or chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your vehicle&rsquo;s cam timing is off, your pistons and valves will end up hitting each other, and your engine probably won&rsquo;t start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"962\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/engine-components-962x1024.jpg\" alt=\"image showing the valve operation of an engine\" class=\"wp-image-91026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/engine-components-962x1024.jpg 962w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/engine-components-282x300.jpg 282w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/engine-components-768x818.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/engine-components-150x160.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/engine-components.jpg 1409w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 962px) 100vw, 962px\"><figcaption>The valves must be timed to open at the right time every time, so the crankshaft and camshaft must be perfectly in time. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ignition Timing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you start your vehicle, your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-spark-plugs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"spark plugs\">spark plugs<\/a> send a bolt of electricity that ignites the fuel in your combustion chambers, sending your pistons in motion and your vehicle moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The spark is delivered before the piston reaches top dead center and its timing is measured in degrees of crankshaft rotation. Since fuel only burns at a certain rate, as the engine picks up speed when it&rsquo;s not pulling a heavy load, the spark happens earlier to get the most benefit from the combustion event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, older engines had a vacuum timing advance and a centrifugal timing advance built into the distributor. Newer engines without distributors depend on the engine controller for timing control. With coil-on-plug engines, each cylinder&rsquo;s timing can be controlled separately if need be according to knock sensor input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ignition timing plays an important role in making sure your engine&rsquo;s spark plug doesn&rsquo;t fire too late or too soon. If the ignition timing is just a little bit off, you&rsquo;ll likely notice a decline in engine performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does Engine Timing Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To better understand how engine timing works, it&rsquo;s important to understand the four events your engine repeatedly cycles through to keep running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most modern vehicles have a combustion engine whose pistons have to complete a four-stroke cycle that continuously repeats for as long as the engine is running. These four strokes are the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Intake Stroke<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The piston&rsquo;s movement from the top dead center (TDC) to the bottom dead center (BDC) creates a vacuum that draws the air-fuel mixture into the engine through the open intake valve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Compression Stroke<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The intake valve closes, and the piston moves from the BDC to the TDC and compresses the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Before this stroke ends, the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Power Stroke<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The ignition pushes the piston down and rotates the crankshaft, powering the vehicle to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Exhaust Stroke<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The piston moves up from the BDC to the TDC, and as the crankshaft keeps moving, the exhaust valve opens to release burnt fuel from the cylinder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each step in this cycle relies on the proper timing of your engine. Ignition timing controls when the spark plugs ignite during the compression stroke, while cam timing controls the pistons, valves, and crankshaft in each stroke. A delay in either of these timing systems will disrupt the entire cycle and cause your engine to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Tell if Timing Is Off on an Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It isn&rsquo;t always easy to diagnose bad engine timing, but there are some common symptoms you can watch out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs of Bad Cam Timing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your engine&rsquo;s cam timing is off more than a small amount, then your vehicle probably won&rsquo;t start. On the rare chance that it does, your engine will most likely misfire, make unusual rattling noises, and produce more emissions. In some cases, you might notice your vehicle&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-does-car-rpm-stand-for\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"revolutions per minute (RPM)\">revolutions per minute (RPM)<\/a> fluctuating too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>If the ignition timing is too early or advanced, hard (kickback) starting and ping\/labor knock can happen. If the ignition timing is too late (also referred to as &ldquo;retarded&rdquo;), the engine will run sluggish, get poor fuel economy, and can even overheat.<\/p><cite>&ndash;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs of Bad Ignition Timing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the ignition timing is too early or advanced, hard (kickback) starting and ping\/labor knock can happen. If the ignition timing is too late (also referred to as &ldquo;retarded&rdquo;), the engine will run sluggish, get poor fuel economy, and can even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-type-of-damage-to-expect-from-an-overheating-car\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"overheat\">overheat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Do if Engine Timing Is Off<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your vehicle has bad engine timing, it&rsquo;s best to fix it as soon as possible. Consider some of these common repairs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adjust the Ignition Timing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your engine&rsquo;s ignition timing is off, you&rsquo;ll have to adjust it to the correct setting. You can do it by yourself if you have a wrench, timing light, and helper, but it&rsquo;s best to leave it to a professional if you want to play it safe. However, keep in mind that newer engines don&rsquo;t have timing that can be adjusted by the mechanic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can expect to pay around $50 to $70 for an ignition timing adjustment, but the exact bill can vary depending on your vehicle&rsquo;s make and model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Replace Your Timing Belt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/when-to-replace-timing-chain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"faulty engine timing chain\">faulty engine timing chain<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/timing-belt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"belt\">belt<\/a> is to blame for a delay in your engine&rsquo;s cam timing. A timing belt replacement can cost you anywhere from $10 to $200, but the price can still vary depending on your vehicle&rsquo;s make, model, and the product&rsquo;s brand.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_52d037-8b > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_52d037-8b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_52d037-8b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_52d037-8b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_52d037-8b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_52d037-8b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_52d037-8b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_52d037-8b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_52d037-8b > 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((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;padding-right:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}#kt-layout-id_c2346e-78 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-rowlayout alignnone pro-tip-wrap\"><div id=\"kt-layout-id_c2346e-78\" class=\"kt-row-layout-inner kt-layout-id_c2346e-78\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-gutter-none kt-v-gutter-default kt-row-valign-top kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-m-colapse-left-to-right kt-mobile-layout-right-golden  kt-custom-first-width-10  kt-custom-second-width-90\"><style>.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_4af4d6-a1 kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image_b9d241-86.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image_b9d241-86 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_b9d241-86.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image_b9d241-86 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image_b9d241-86 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image_b9d241-86 .image-is-svg, .kb-image_b9d241-86 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image_b9d241-86 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image_b9d241-86\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_e7b25d-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_e7b25d-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_e7b25d-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_e7b25d-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_e7b25d-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_e7b25d-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_e7b25d-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_e7b25d-58{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_e7b25d-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_e7b25d-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-2 kadence-column_e7b25d-58 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\n            Some engines will bend valves when they jump time, and there are Asian makes that can be destroyed if the engine jumps time. Pay close attention to the timing belt replacement intervals for your vehicle and engine and don&rsquo;t delay. It&rsquo;s best if you decide when the belt is changed rather than letting the belt decide.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rebuild Your Engine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Does your vehicle have an interference <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/rebuilding-an-engine-purpose-benefits-and-cost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"engine\">engine<\/a>? Because if it does, then the stakes might be a little higher when it comes to bad cam timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An interference engine is a type of engine with a smaller combustion chamber and larger valves. A small slipup in your engine&rsquo;s cam timing can cause your valves and pistons to collide or interfere with one another. This impact can damage your valves and pistons, leading to an expensive repair bill.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Imagine watching a movie where the audio wasn&rsquo;t perfectly timed to the video. It&rsquo;s the exact type of film you&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-engine-timing\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":87780,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3747],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-87732","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-engine","9":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is Engine Timing? - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Engine timing plays an important role in making sure your vehicle functions properly, but what is it and how does it work? 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Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000). He has developed training courses and written or edited training material for companies in the U.S. Canada, and the Netherlands, and even Bulgaria. He maintained an \u201cask a mechanic\u201d website for 10 years answering questions emailed to him from all over the world.\r\n\r\nRichard has an instructional automotive YouTube channel \u201cMcCuistian\u201d with 13,500 subscribers and over 1,300 videos. Much of his professional work requires photography and videography in shop environments, but Richard also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes, skyscapes, old barns and houses, small towns. He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. Richard has written a 2,500-word Bible study every week for the past 20 years and uses it to teach a small group at his church every Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Credentials:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"author-list\">\r\n<li><p>ASE Certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Professional Mechanic\/Technician for 25 years with experience on diesel and gasoline engines, vehicles and equipment (including hydraulics).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Spent 5 years in fleet maintenance, 20 years in independent shops and dealerships (VW, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln), specializing in driveability and electronics for the last 14 years of his career at the same dealership.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Senior Contributing Editor at Motor Age Magazine, first published in Motor Age in May of 2000 and every year since. He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College worked at professional shop speed during his tenure to prepare graduates for production level work in the real world.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87732"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87732\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/87780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87732"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=87732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}