When you turn the key of your Oldsmobile, the starter provides the force to turn the crankshaft, which then passes power to the camshaft through the timing chain or timing belt, starting the intake, combustion, and exhaust cycles. This process is then self-sustaining after it begins, unless the Oldsmobile timing belt/timing chain breaks. This part is the essential link between the upper and lower half of the engine, and when it is broken, the engine cannot run, because the valves will no longer operate. Generally, after about sixty thousand miles or so, there is a strong possibility that the Oldsmobile timing belt/timing chain could break, and it should be carefully inspected at about this time. Whether your car has a belt or a chain, as it wears, the engine may start to run less efficiently, and if it breaks due to the lack of inspection, it could possibly cause other damage within the engine, often very expensive damage. Replacing the Oldsmobile timing belt/timing chain by itself is not recommended, rather it should be replaced as a unit with all of the other gears or pulleys in the system, to ensure that all components wear evenly and will last for a long time afterwards. Our online catalog will have the perfect Oldsmobile timing belt/timing chain kit for your needs, with all other components included. This kit is manufactured to meet or exceed all of the specifications of the original setup, and comes with a full warranty from the manufacturer. When you replace your Oldsmobile timing belt/timing chain, it is also a good idea to replace other parts, such as the water pump, that have a similar life-span, for the sake of convenience, and those can be found in our catalog as well.