Timing Belts vs Chains

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by marx404, Sep 23, 2008.

  1. marx404

    marx404 Guest

    As the Astra has a timing belt (as did the L300 V6 and the Honda-powered V6
    VUE) and all other Saturs have a timing chain, I wanted to stsrt a thread on
    the pros and cons of both. Both have thier vulnerabilities and good points.
    Saturn belts are good for 100K mi, which is more than many out there.

    Googling for this info revealed lots of useful info. Gave me a a good heads
    up on both to ponder.

    http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Alt/alt.autos.toyota/2008-02/msg02133.html

    http://www.google.com/search?q=adva...-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1
     
    marx404, Sep 23, 2008
    #1
  2. marx404

    Oppie Guest

    My 2001 LW300 V6 had almost 100K on it when I replaced the timing belt. The
    belt had practically no observable wear at that point and was otherwise in
    good shape. I bought the car with 40K on it and will assume that nothing
    happened in the previous life that required a new belt.

    would have replaced the belt myself except for the large amount of special
    tools to hold the cams locked into position and align everything. there are
    two tensioners and the relation between the two sets a fine timing position.
    Way too tricky and catastrophic to the engine if a mistake was to be made.
    I've done chains and belts on other less complicated engines. On Chain
    drives, you have to remove more of the front of the engine to get the front
    cover off.

    Oppie

    Ever since most of the ISPs killed alt groups, I've been using teranews for
    most of my ng access. Lately, I haven't been able to post and article
    retention is getting pretty bad. Just realized that I could still access
    this group through the verizon ng server. I'm going to have to find another
    independent usenet provider and tell teranews to take a hike.
     
    Oppie, Sep 24, 2008
    #2
  3. marx404

    PerfectReign Guest


    I have no preference either way. I've had vehicles with chains ('87
    Nissan, '94 Jimmy, '98 Maxima, '06 Avalanche) and with belts ('93
    Altima, '02 Sedona, '05 Vue). Both work.

    The only thing you have to remember is to change the belt when it is time.

    No big deal.
     
    PerfectReign, Sep 24, 2008
    #3
  4. marx404

    Bob Shuman Guest

    It's basically a $$$ thing which adds to the cost of ownership ... with a
    properly maintained engine, a timing chain should realistically last the
    life of the vehicle. With timing belts, you'll spend $ changing the timing
    belt (and likely the water pump too as preventive measure) every change
    interval.

    As one point of reference here, one vehicle I own has a 60K mile timing belt
    replacement interval, so this means it will be changed 3 times for me over
    my average of 12 years of ownership. The price for that service on that
    vehicle is currently $1K, so this is not insignificant. Also, check to see
    if the engine is interference or non-interference. This will tell you if
    the engine will be destroyed if the timing belt breaks ... this allows you
    to decide whether to take the risk and go longer that the recommended
    interval. Non-interference engines are preferred, but may sacrifice power.

    Bob
     
    Bob Shuman, Sep 24, 2008
    #4
  5. marx404

    Oppie Guest

    Not that timing chains are perfect either. Back in my ford years, I rebuilt
    two engines that were damaged by a failed timing chain. The chain itself was
    still in reasonable shape as was the crankshaft sprocket but the camshaft
    sprocket which had Nylon (iirc) molded teeth was worn and allowed the chain
    to skip.

    That being said, it is important to add that most 'modern' engines with
    timing chains now include some sort of chain tensioner to not only tension
    it but to damp it from flopping about at high speeds. All the tensioners
    I've seen lately are a combination of spring and hydraulic assist (operated
    from engine oil pressure).
    Oppie
     
    Oppie, Sep 24, 2008
    #5
  6. marx404

    Gyzmologist Guest

    I wonder how much it would cost to replace the AC compressor or water
    pump. I believe these are driven by the timing chain, and I don't think
    I like that idea. The cost of the water pump would probably far exceed
    replacement of timing belts and water pumps for the life of most other
    engines.
     
    Gyzmologist, Oct 6, 2008
    #6
  7. marx404

    Bob Shuman Guest

    A/C Compressor is usually driven by its own belt. Water pump can be driven
    by either a serpentine belt or in some designs, by the timing belt. I've
    never seen these both driven by the timing chain in any vehicles I've worked
    on.

    Bob
     
    Bob Shuman, Oct 6, 2008
    #7
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.