How does the timing belt work in an engine?
How does the timing belt work in an engine?
In an internal combustion engine, the application of a timing belt or chain connects the crankshaft to the camshaft (s), which in turn control the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. A four-stroke engine requires that the valves open and close once every other revolution of the crankshaft. The timing belt does this.
What happens if you ignore a timing belt replacement?
If the belt breaks while the engine is running, the valves will continue to open and close for a short while, but won’t contact the pistons. The engine will stop running however. Regardless of the type of engine in your vehicle, ignoring the recommended timing belt replacement is never a good idea.
Do you have to drain cooling system to replace timing belt?
Remember, they have to drain a portion of the cooling system to replace the water pump. You should get a partial discount on the cooling system service if you’re getting the timing belt and water pump replaced at the same time. Replacing a timing belt requires the removal of many parts from the front of the engine.
How much does a broken timing belt cost?
If the timing belt breaks on an interference engine while it’s running, the result is often catastrophic engine damage costing around $2,500 to $4,000. Other engines are designed with more space at the top of piston travel. Those engines can survive a broken or out-of-time timing belt. They’re referred to as “free-wheeling.”
Why are timing belts used instead of gear drives?
The use of a timing belt or chain instead of a gear drive enables engine designers to place the camshaft (s) further from the crankshaft, and in engines, with multiple camshafts a timing belt or chain also enables the camshafts to be placed further from each other.
How does the timing belt work on a four stroke engine?
A four-stroke engine requires that the valves open and close once every other revolution of the crankshaft. The timing belt does this. It has teeth to turn the camshaft (s) synchronized with the crankshaft, and is specifically designed for a particular engine.
What should I do if my timing belt is off?
Being off even a half tooth on some engines will be enough to cause trouble and means the job needs to be done again. After the belt is installed and the tensioner pin has been released, be sure to crank the engine over by hand a few times at least to make sure the timing marks line up at TDC each time.
Where does the timing belt connect to the camshaft?
In the internal combustion engine application the timing belt or chain connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), which in turn control the opening and closing of the engine’s valves.
