Why are timing belts used instead of gear drives?
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.
Where are the timing gears located on a car?
Timing gears are almost always located on the front of the engine, and are lubricated by engine oil. They only need attention if one of the gears starts to wear, in which case replacement is the only repair. So, If your vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing the belt or chain at regular intervals, do it.
How do you set the timing belt on a DOHC VTEC motor?
To set the timing belt on your motor, put your crankshaft to TDC by sticking a long extension in cylinder #1 and rotating until the the timing marks on the crank gear and TDC mark on the oil pump line up. Then set your cam gears to TDC and slide the timing belt on the gears, making sure to remove all slack in back of the motor.
When do you replace the timing belt tensioner?
It is common to replace the timing belt tensioner at the same time as the belt is replaced. On some engines where the coolant pump is run by the timing belt, the coolant pump is also typically replaced.
What happens when a timing belt or gears fail?
If a timing belt or chain breaks, or the cam drive gears fail, the cam stops turning, the engine loses all compression and the engine stops running.
Timing gears are almost always located on the front of the engine, and are lubricated by engine oil. They only need attention if one of the gears starts to wear, in which case replacement is the only repair. So, If your vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing the belt or chain at regular intervals, do it.
To set the timing belt on your motor, put your crankshaft to TDC by sticking a long extension in cylinder #1 and rotating until the the timing marks on the crank gear and TDC mark on the oil pump line up. Then set your cam gears to TDC and slide the timing belt on the gears, making sure to remove all slack in back of the motor.
When do I need to change my timing belt?
The majority of manufacturers recommend changing the timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Almost all timing belts are fed through a series of pulleys and tensioners. The tensioners, pulleys and water pump will also wear and should be replaced.
