timing chain
noun
plural timing chains
: a chain that connects the camshaft and the crankshaft in a vehicle engine (such as in an automobile) and coordinates the opening and closing of the engine's valves
Much older vehicles will have a timing chain instead of a timing belt … . Timing chains have a much longer lifespan and generally do not need to be replaced.—
Melissa Thompson
Melissa Thompson… a timing chain is that part of a vehicle's internal combustion engine that drives the cams and operates the valves that feed fuel into the combustion chambers and extracts spent gases from them.—Joey Bernardez
compare timing belt
Joey BernardezExamples of timing chain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The timing chain begins with the OCXO oscillator and its 10-megahertz signal and ends with the display being updated once every second.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Jan. 2024
This choice replaces the conventional engine valve train—valves, seats, guides, seals, springs, rockers, camshaft, bearings, timing chain, and oil lubrication—with a simple set of holes in the cylinder wall.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2023
IEEE Spectrum, 23 Jan. 2024
This choice replaces the conventional engine valve train—valves, seats, guides, seals, springs, rockers, camshaft, bearings, timing chain, and oil lubrication—with a simple set of holes in the cylinder wall.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'timing chain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near timing chain
Cite this Entry
“Timing chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timing%20chain. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
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