Neglecting your engine timing belt, could destroy your engine from the inside out.
So, the timing belt, is a very simple part, but it can also be a ticking time bomb.
Depending on the year, make and model of your car, there’s a pretty good chance you have a engine timing belt. It’s function, is to connect the crankshaft to the camshaft pulleys.
Your engine timing belt, keeps your engine ticking, and needs to be changed before it breaks.
NOTE: Camshaft And Ignition Timing, Are Totally Different.
First, your timing belt sets the mechanical heartbeat of the engine. Consequently, by operating the valves, in extremely precise relation, to the position of the piston.
So, the belt synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. And, that ensures the engine’s valves open and close in precise coordination with the pistons, preventing engine damage.
Also, this isn’t a part that will give a warning, before it fails. For example, a wear indicator, check engine light (CEL) or strange noise, before it fails. So, if your belt does fail, the only sound you’ll hear is, your engine instantly shutting down.
The inside of your engine has countless moving parts, that spin, slide or reciprocate, at thousands of revolutions per minute. All of these parts operate, within an extremely close proximity to one another.
So, Neglecting The Timing Belt Has The Potential To, Destroy Your Car’s Engine.
Engine timing belt neglect, can cause it to, fail and snap. As a result, the camshaft(s) and valves will, stop moving. Some engines simply cease to work and don’t wind up with internal damage, though most do.
So, there are two types of engine out there. They are known as, interference and non-interference. An interference engine has valves that when fully open, extend into an area where the piston travels. By contrast, in a non-interference engine, the piston does not travel into any area into which the valves open.
If you’ve determined that your car has a timing belt. Then, be sure to have it changed, ahead of its suggested service interval. Check with your owner’s manual to be sure, or consult your dealer for more information.
If a timing belt is not changed on time, it could wind up snapping and destroying your engine. Of course, preventing such nightmares from happening is simple, just stick to your car’s maintenance schedule.
Common Causes Of Engine Timing Belt Failure Include:
- Misalignment
- Excessive Load
- Under-tensioned Belt
- Weak Drive Structure
- Damaged or worn pulleys
- Debris in the timing pulley or drive
Your Car May Not Have A Belt At All
So, Do All Cars Have To Have A Timing Belt ?
The answer is no, many modern cars, have a timing chain instead.
A timing chain, is a maintenance free unit, and rarely needs replacement. So, how do you know if a engine has a timing chain or belt? Consequently, you can check your maintenance schedule or call your dealer.
Conclusion
So, can you change your own engine timing belt? If you have the tools and the skills, it’s not that difficult. But, the hard part is usually, the removal of the harmonic balancer as the bolt holding it, is very tight.
As a result, you might need a special puller to take the pulley off. Another difficult task is, to set the timing properly and adjust the belt tension. For this you might need, the factory service manual.
Thank You !!
