Timing Belt or Timing Chain
02-21-2002, 07:05 PM
#1
Timing Belt or Timing Chain
Ok, someone really disturbed me with this. Someone said that timing belts could handle more horsepower than a timing chain. I thought for sure that the chain would be way better. Any opinions???
02-21-2002, 07:19 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
The power required to drive the valve train does not necessarily directly relate to the power output of the engine. So its a moot point for belt or chain preference. Chains operate within a oil bath environment, and belts run dry. We used to use chains exclusively in engines (except where gear driven), then switched to belts. Probably because of economics and fuel efficiency.
Where lots of power is transmitted such as in a transmission or a transfer case, chains are used where applicable instead of the gilmer type belt. Also belts have a finite life, versus a chain which should last as long as much of the remainder of the mechanicals.
Where lots of power is transmitted such as in a transmission or a transfer case, chains are used where applicable instead of the gilmer type belt. Also belts have a finite life, versus a chain which should last as long as much of the remainder of the mechanicals.
02-21-2002, 08:08 PM
#4
Actually it would be the other way around. Belts are changed every 60k miles for a reason.
my VE timing chain has 165k on it, and no problems yet.
the problem with chains are usually the chain stretches a little bit and the tensioners wear out. if a tensioner breaks, then you can cause some nasty damage- i.e. breaking a chain or throwing it off the gears.
which is why you should replace the tensioner if you ever have to get in that area for other work. i.e. water pump.
my VE timing chain has 165k on it, and no problems yet.
the problem with chains are usually the chain stretches a little bit and the tensioners wear out. if a tensioner breaks, then you can cause some nasty damage- i.e. breaking a chain or throwing it off the gears.
which is why you should replace the tensioner if you ever have to get in that area for other work. i.e. water pump.
02-21-2002, 11:13 PM
#5
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,941
That is weird advice. Belts don't break? They're only made of reinforced rubber, which can get cracked and brittle and can stretch. Chains can stretch too mind you, but I'd put more faith in chains than belts. If belts are so much more better, there'd be belt-retrofit kits for V8 engines.
Belts are cheaper and quieter though, so that's why they're used.
Belts are cheaper and quieter though, so that's why they're used.
02-22-2002, 09:47 PM
#7
Originally posted by Bman
That is weird advice. Belts don't break? They're only made of reinforced rubber, which can get cracked and brittle and can stretch. Chains can stretch too mind you, but I'd put more faith in chains than belts. If belts are so much more better, there'd be belt-retrofit kits for V8 engines.
Belts are cheaper and quieter though, so that's why they're used.
That is weird advice. Belts don't break? They're only made of reinforced rubber, which can get cracked and brittle and can stretch. Chains can stretch too mind you, but I'd put more faith in chains than belts. If belts are so much more better, there'd be belt-retrofit kits for V8 engines.
Belts are cheaper and quieter though, so that's why they're used.
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