Timing Chain Protection with Synthetic Oil | AMSOIL Dealer Guide

There is an essential component to the operation of any engine that often goes unnoticed until trouble strikes — the timing chain. But like any component, the timing chain can wear, leading to expensive issues or even catastrophic engine failure.

The timing chain provides a mechanical linkage that ensures all moving parts work in perfect harmony. It connects the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of the valves, to the crankshaft, which is attached to the pistons. In this way, the timing belt ensures that fuel and air enter the engine and exhaust gases exit in sync with the motion of the pistons.

Critical Engine Component Alert

Your work truck or towing rig relies on a critical component that most drivers never think about — the timing chain.

When it works: Your engine runs smoothly
When it fails: $3,000-$5,000+ repair bill or complete engine replacement

Unlike timing belts, which are made of rubber and require periodic replacement, timing chains are constructed from durable metal links, much like a burly bicycle chain. Timing chains are housed inside the engine where they are protected from contamination and lubricated by engine oil to reduce friction and wear. This design allows them to last significantly longer, hopefully for the life of the vehicle, provided they are properly maintained.

However, even with their robust design, timing chains are not immune to wear. Over time, factors such as extreme use, insufficient lubrication, soot buildup, high mileage or poor maintenance can lead to issues like chain stretch or damage to the tensioners and guides. These problems can disrupt the engine’s timing, leading to symptoms such as rough idling, engine misfires or even catastrophic failure.

Timing-Chain Stretch: The Silent Engine Killer

What is timing-chain stretch?
When the chain lengthens beyond its original specification, disrupting engine timing and causing poor performance.

The Leading Culprit: Soot in the Motor Oil

---

The Modern Soot Problem

T-GDI Engines Produce More Soot Than:

• Old diesel engines without particulate filters
• Traditional port-injected gasoline engines
• Previous generation naturally aspirated engines

Real-World Example:
Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin #14-0194 in 2020 acknowledging timing-chain wear in certain 3.5L EcoBoost* engines due to soot accumulation.

---

How Soot Damages Your Timing Chain

The Destruction Process:

1. Soot Formation

   • Tiny particles form during combustion
   • Particles combine into larger, abrasive chunks
   • Oil filter can’t catch them fast enough

2. Chain Wear Begins

   • Soot lodges between chain links and pins
   • Particles act like sandpaper
   • Metal surfaces slowly wear away

3. Chain “Stretches”

   • Clearances between components increase
   • Chain develops slack (not actual stretching)
   • Tensioner reaches its adjustment limit

4. Engine Failure

   • Camshaft/crankshaft sensors trigger codes
   • Engine enters “limp” mode
   • Chain jumps timing, causing catastrophic damage

---

Warning Signs of Timing Chain Problems

Detecting timing-chain problems early can prevent major repairs down the road. Watch for these critical warning signs:

1. Unusual Noises

What to listen for:

• Rattling or clanging sounds, especially at startup
• Metal-on-metal grinding noises
• Unusual engine clatter

These sounds often indicate timing-chain slack or failing tensioners.

2. Engine Misfires or Rough Idling

Key symptoms:

• Engine stumbles or hesitates
• Rough, unstable idle
• Loss of power during acceleration

A stretched timing chain disrupts the engine’s precise firing sequence, causing these performance issues.

3. Check Engine Light

Common timing chain error codes:

• P0016 - P0019: Camshaft/crankshaft correlation errors
• P0340 - P0349: Camshaft position sensor issues
• P0335 - P0339: Crankshaft position sensor problems

These codes often indicate timing chain stretch or failure.

4. Poor Engine Performance

Performance degradation includes:

Symptom	Impact
Reduced Power	Sluggish acceleration, difficulty climbing hills
Poor Fuel Economy	10-20% increase in fuel consumption
Engine Hesitation	Delayed throttle response, surging

The Role of Motor Oil

Timing chains depend on proper lubrication to reduce friction and wear between the chain links, sprockets and tensioners. Without adequate lubrication, these components can overheat and wear prematurely.

If you drive a T-GDI engine that’s known to suffer from timing-chain stretch, it’s a smart move to use a premium synthetic oil and a high-quality oil filter to help fight soot-induced timing-chain wear.

To combat the issue of soot, the industry developed the Sequence X Engine Test (ASTM D8279) specifically to measure an oil’s ability to resist soot and fight timing-chain stretch. It’s part of the API SP and ILSAC GF-6 motor oil specifications introduced in May 2020 and the latest API SP and ILSAC GF-7 specifications released in March 2025.

The test uses a Ford 2.0L EcoBoost engine run a total of 216 hours throughout a series of cycles. The timing chain is measured after break-in and again following the test. The pass/fail criteria is d0.085% timing-chain elongation.

---

The AMSOIL Advantage

Proven Protection

All AMSOIL synthetic motor oils have passed the rigorous Sequence X Engine Test (ASTM D8279), demonstrating superior protection against timing-chain stretch.

AMSOIL Products That Protect Your Timing Chain:

---

How AMSOIL Protects Your Timing Chain

1. Enhanced Wear Protection

Key Technologies:

• Naturally shear-resistant synthetic base oils
• Top-tier, shear-stable viscosity improvers
• Robust anti-wear additive package
• Superior film strength in extreme conditions

PROVEN RESULT: Signature Series provides 75% MORE ENGINE PROTECTION against wear and horsepower loss than required by industry standards.¹

2. Outstanding Engine Cleanliness

How Sludge Forms:

• Combustion byproducts accumulate
• Oxidation creates acidic compounds
• Contaminants bond together
• Deposits form on critical components

AMSOIL’s Defense:

• 90% BETTER sludge protection²
• 28% MORE acid-neutralizing power than Mobil 1*³
• Heavy-duty detergent additives
• Keeps timing chains and tensioners clean

3. Superior Thermal Durability

Extreme Temperature Performance:

Condition	AMSOIL Protection
Cold Starts	Superior cold-cranking viscosity for immediate protection4
High Heat	Maintains viscosity under extreme temperatures
Heavy Loads	Shear-stable formula resists breakdown
Extended Intervals	Consistent protection throughout service life

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my timing chain?

With proper maintenance using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, timing chains should last the life of the engine. Unlike timing belts that require replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles, timing chains are designed to be permanent components when properly lubricated.

What causes timing chain wear?

The primary cause of timing chain wear is soot buildup in the motor oil, especially in modern T-GDI engines. Soot particles act like sandpaper between chain links, causing premature wear. Poor oil quality, extended oil change intervals, and insufficient lubrication also contribute to chain stretch.

What are the symptoms of a bad timing chain?

Common symptoms include rattling noises from the engine (especially at startup), rough idling, engine misfires, metal shavings in the oil, and check engine lights with codes P0016-P0019 (camshaft/crankshaft correlation errors).

Can synthetic oil prevent timing chain problems?

Yes, high-quality synthetic oils like AMSOIL provide superior protection against timing chain wear. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils pass the Sequence X Engine Test (ASTM D8279), demonstrating exceptional resistance to soot-induced timing chain stretch. Shop AMSOIL synthetic oils today.

How much does timing chain replacement cost?

Timing chain replacement typically costs $3,000-$5,000 or more, depending on the vehicle. This includes parts and labor, as the repair requires extensive engine disassembly. Prevention with quality synthetic oil is far more cost-effective. Protect your engine with AMSOIL.

Chain reaction

While often overlooked, the timing chain plays a crucial role in engine performance. Staying alert to potential problems and responding quickly can help avoid major repairs or even catastrophic engine failure. AMSOIL motor oils provide excellent protection for timing chains and other components, helping ensure engine performance, reliability and longevity.

¹Based on independent testing of AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 using the ASTM D6891 standard test. ²Based on independent testing of AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 in the ASTM D6593 engine test for oil screen plugging as required by the API SN specification. ³Based upon independent testing of Mobil 1 Annual Protection & Full Synthetic 5W-30 and AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 in ASTM D2896. Oils purchased July 2020. ⁴Based on independent third-party testing in the industry-standard ASTM D5293 Cold Crank Simulator test as required by SAE J300

Get Wholesale Pricing on AMSOIL

As an Independent AMSOIL Dealer serving Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Atlanta Metro, I can help you get wholesale pricing on all AMSOIL products. Contact me at 678-799-9062 or shop online using my dealer number #1858536.

Become a Preferred Customer

Join the AMSOIL Preferred Customer program and save up to 25% on all AMSOIL products. Sign up today or contact National Synthetics at 678-799-9062 to learn more about protecting your work truck or towing rig from heavy towing and humidity.