If a timing chain broke could a car still drive and start?

Question

I have a car that I'm buying. It's a 2008 Chevy Equinox. There selling it for a lot less than its worth because it needs a new timing chain apparently. I'm willing to put money into it because of the overall condition of the car. I'm just confused because if it really needed a new timing chain wouldn't the car not start or drive at all? They're saying the trouble code is p0019?


I talked to the guys mechanic privately without him knowing because he told me the shop he had his car at. The mechanic said he may not even need a new chain and he wanted him to drive the car around for a week to see if his check engine light came on again. This is a respected mechanic in the area and his family's shop has been in business for 20 years!

Answer 1

If the car is running, then the timing chain is intact but lets back up. Never, ever, EVER trust what the seller has to say about a car. Your interests are not aligned. That's good you spoke to his mechanic who is respected in the area, now go get your mechanic to look at this car. Honestly, when buying a used car, you should be walking away from anything with a "story" and this car has a story. There isn't anything special or rare about a 2008 Chevy Equinox, and if the problem whatever it is, were a simple fix, it wouldn't be offered up for peanuts on the dollar. Keep on searching, your wallet, time and peace of mind will thank you.

Answer 2

NO. A timing CHAIN in a modern engine is usually reliable for the life of the car. It's the rubber timing BELTS that have breakage problems and need to be replaced every 60,000 miles or so. A broken timing chain means the cam shaft(s) are not turning and the valves are not opening and closing. Such an engine WILL NOT run AT ALL. If the engine still starts and runs, then the problem IS NOT a broken timing chain.

Answer 3

A little scattered brained question but if the timing chain is broken the car will not run at all. If it has jumped a few teeth then it will run very poorly if you can even get it cranked. How much is the mechanic willing to repair it for? Add that to the purchase price and make your decision.

Answer 4

Like the case of timing belts breaking could trash the engine as timing chains could still let the engine turn over after breaking or there is a few teeth missing from the sprockets as if the engine does start it would run like crap.

Answer 5

NO, a car can not run at all with a broken timing (cam) belt/chain. It could skip a link and still run, but that is pretty uncommon.

Answer 6

I see good answers. As for myself, being the suspicious person I am, I think the guy is selling the car because it's a lemon, or he's tired of pouring money into repairs etc.



I would be shopping elsewhere. Good deals often turn out to be a major ripoff. (voice of experience talking here)

Answer 7

Timing chains seldom break. The chain guides wear out because someone didn't change the oil and filter enough. Look for gunk built up in the valve cover through the oil filler hole.

Answer 8

It's the oldest scam in the book. Like Tim S said, if it was an easy fix, they would have done it.

Answer 9

It's a line to keep you from investigating and finding the other things that are REALLY wrong.

Answer 10

NO.