They can transmit large forces and are therefore especially popular with powerful engines. What are the pros and cons?ĭistribution chains have been used in engine construction for more than 100 years. Although they do the same job in terms of functionality, the systems have different advantages and disadvantages. What is the difference between a belt and chain?Ī timing belt and a timing chain do the same job, the difference being that a chain is made of hard steel links and a belt is made of plastic. Rule of thumb: the more links, the more durable the chain - and the heavier the system. In rare cases, chains with three links connected in parallel are used (triplex chaine"), for example in old Ferrari models. It cannot be controlled from the outside.ĭepending on the manufacturer and engine, simple distribution chains (simplex chains) or double chains (duplex chains) are used. The chain runs on sprockets in the enclosed engine.
The angular momentum of the crankshaft is transmitted to the camshafts through the chain links. The timing chain works in the same way as a bicycle chain: the chain transfers power from one axis to the other. If something goes wrong, it could result in major engine damage. This ensures that they run in the right proportion to each other and do not get in the way of their work. The chain coordinates these processes and connects the crankshaft to the camshafts. This is especially true for the combustion process itself: when the valves open or close and where the piston is at that moment is elementary for the engine to run. It can only work if each movement is properly synchronised. The movements in an internal combustion engine must be synchronised. Still, the timing chain by no means obsolete: the timing chain is still used today, especially in particularly powerful vehicles, as it can transmit higher forces than the plastic belt. Today, space-saving and cheaper timing belts are often used instead of timing chains (see page timing belt replacement). Until the 1980s, only timing chains were used to transmit the rotational movement from the crankshaft to the camshaft. When should you replace a timing chain?.How do you recognise a defect in the chain?.What is the difference between a belt and chain?.Since the timing chain can go bad and will need to be replaced, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms so you can have it repaired before it fails completely. The wrong oil can cause extra load on the chain and the engine will not be properly lubricated. Most of the time, modern vehicles will only be able to use synthetic oil because they have to meet certain specifications to ensure the oil flows quickly, and with the proper pressure. One cause of the timing chain wearing out faster, is using the wrong oil. If the chain fails, the vehicle will not run at all. Furthermore, the chain tensioner or the guides that are connected to the timing chain may wear out as well, causing the timing chain to fail completely. Over time, the timing chain wears out because it stretches. If you do start noticing problems, or your vehicle, contact a certified mechanic to have your timing chain replaced.
Issues with the chain are pretty common in high mileage vehicles, so if you are driving an older vehicle, or one with a lot of miles, it is best to be on the lookout for symptoms of the timing chain going bad or failing. The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 miles unless there is a problem. The metal links in the chain move on the tooth sprockets on the end of the crankshaft and crankshaft so that they rotate together. It connects the crankshaft to the camshaft. Every time you use the engine, the timing chain will be used. The chain is located inside of the engine and needs to be lubricated by the oil in the engine so everything runs together.
A timing chain is a metal chain, as opposed to the timing belt which is made of rubber.
0 kommentar(er)
