What are these marks on my timing chain?

[Klutch9]

Was just checking things over on our Carnival this morning. Just hit 4,000 miles this past week. I noticed these weird marks on the timing chain. They almost look like pitting marks. I touched it with my finger, and couldn’t really feel anything. I was able to get a flashlight in there and look above and below where the marks are, and those links don’t have these marks. What could this be?

 

[GSCJR]

I'm going to guess that those markings are a result of the chain manufacturing process; nothing else. I'm not sure if I would be concerned at this point; just keep an eye on it.

 

[Klutch9]

I'm going to guess that those markings are a result of the chain manufacturing process; nothing else. I'm not sure if I would be concerned at this point; just keep an eye on it.

I was thinking the same. They aren’t circumferential marks, like they are rubbing on the guides or something. Just looks like it was that way from the start.

 

[daves87rs]

I would agree with the above. I wouldn’t be the first time I’ve seen marks on a chain- seen them much worst on a GM product.

As low as it works……

 

[WobblyElvis]

KIA Hyundai quality. Everything is as cheaply made as possible as long as it works. Other manufacturers are doing the same.

 

[Klutch9]

As a point of reference, I just started the engine, and looked at the chain where it stopped this time. That section also had the marks. So it must just be how they are. I wonder if it’s meant to hold oil or something? The marks don’t protrude, they are like little pits.

 

[slo town]

As a point of reference, I just started the engine, and looked at the chain where it stopped this time. That section also had the marks. So it must just be how they are. I wonder if it’s meant to hold oil or something? The marks don’t protrude, they are like little pits.

I suspect you're correct about this. That said, go to a dealer and look at a new one.

Scott

 

[JohnnyG]

Manufacturing marks, probably harmless. Look on the bright side. Those little pits will help carry oil to the chain tensioners.
So, beneficial IMO.

 

[lbhsbz]

The links are punched out, and that's something you see in the sides of punched steel. If they tighten up the tooling, that can be reduced/eliminated, but tooling life suffers. It's inconsequential.

 

[meep]

KIA Hyundai quality. Everything is as cheaply made as possible as long as it works. Other manufacturers are doing the same.

I’m not sure that’s true. A friend of mine worked for TRW, and they had contracts to provide parts to H/K. He said their standards were high and the pricing given reflected that. Where he suspects they missed is in not having experience in getting all the parts to work with each other, and that’s where they’d break down. My information is a few years old, but it would make sense - they are still a newer company and were starting out without 30 years of experience.

 

[wpod]

KIA Hyundai quality. Everything is as cheaply made as possible as long as it works. Other manufacturers are doing the same.

All of our vehicles are of the lowest quality.

 

[Analog-1]

All of our vehicles are of the lowest quality.

THIS ^

 

[paulo57509]

What you're seeing is the fracture zone of a punched part. I think the die needs some work.