JEROME A. BALATBAT BASIC AUTOMOTIVE ENGR.

JESUS CALLANTA
BSME 2-2

TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING BELTS:

DEFINITIONS:

A.) TIMING BELT:

A timing belt runs the engine camshaft (or camshafts in a dual-cam engine). Its main job is to
precisely time valve opening and closing with up-and-down movement of the pistons. A timing belt is a
toothed belt made of high-quality rubber; it runs outside of the engine, covered by a protective cover.

B.) TIMING CHAIN:

A timing chain also runs the engine camshaft (or camshafts in a dual-cam engine). Its function almost
similar to timing belt but timing chain runs inside the engine, as it needs to be lubricated by the engine oil. It is
made of metal, similar to a bicycle chain.

WHEN IS THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED?

 A timing belt typically needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the
vehicle.
 The engines feel sluggish, low on power or have troubles starting due to a worn timing chain.
 The ignition and valve timing becomes more retarded.
 Timing chain noise ranges from rattling to whirring, whining or buzzing.

WHEN IS THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED?

 Timing belt recommended replacement intervals vary from 60,000 to 106,000 miles.
 Premature timing belt failure is caused by faulty belt hardware (tensioner and idlers), leaking water
pumps, improper tension and when a timing belt is soaked in engine oil.
 The timing belt is in poor shape (you can see many cracks).
 The engine timing becomes too retarded (delayed) due to a stretched timing belt.

TIMING MARK OF AN OHC WITH TIMING BELT TIMING MARK OF AN OHC WITH TIMING CHAIN