MrMetal
Veteran Member
I'm trying to figure out why our TDIs have timing belts and not timing chains. What are the pros/cons of each?
Just eager to learn
Just eager to learn
While I understand the thinking, it makes no sense.Chains require constant lubrication. This makes the engine more expensive to manufacture. That would push the price of the car above what the targeted market is willing to pay.
yes, quieter, cleaner, longer lasting, lighterSome models of Harley's use belts for the final drive, no?
I had a 70 Nova with a 400 Big Block. The chain doesn't break. It can loosen and stretch, you may not notice either. One day I had trouble starting it. It finally started, ran a little crappy. Drove around the block, came to the stop sign and smoke was billowing from under the hood after it stalled. Chain skipped teeth and engine went out of time. Blew large amounts of gas through the carburetor and went on fire. Done. Car sole, motor junk. No difference. 110k on the car. Ran like a top right before then.Timing chains usually (note: USUALLY!!!) don't fail catastrophically, at least not on OHC engines that have long timing chains with plastic guides and spring-loaded tensioners (
Too bad the rest of the bike isn't quieter, cleaner, longer lasting, lighter, etc, etc, etc...yes, quieter, cleaner, longer lasting, lighterSome models of Harley's use belts for the final drive, no?
yes, quieter, cleaner, longer lasting, lighter
I bought a new evolution Harley in '87. I put 72,000 miles on it in 5 years. Original everything except a few minor to be expected items. Burned no oil. And leaked no oil.Too bad the rest of the bike isn't quieter, cleaner, longer lasting, lighter, etc, etc, etc...
Note the key word "CHAIN DRIVEN CAMS" there is no injection pump to be driven off the timing chain. The length of that chain would prevent any reasonable life out of the chain set up.I don't buy for a second the "noise" argument. It's got to be the money. The savings go in the auto makers pocket for sure. Lets not forget "job security" for dealerships with their "service specials".
Belt or chain I thought the only reason you would lunch a motor due to belt failure was because of valve clearance. That whole piston banging into the valve thing. Some motors do it, some don't. I jumped time on a Dodge 318 once. No big deal. Car ran fine after replacement.
Sprinter Van: 2.7 CDI chain driven cams.
Okay you sold me on the TB. Now I am going out to get that Ferrari....Work with me here and think long term ownership and maintenance costs:
How many wearable parts are in a timing belt set up?
-Belt
-Tensioner
How many wear able parts in a timing chain set up?
-Chain
-Crank gear
-Cam gear
-Injection pump gear
-Nylon Guides
-Tensioner
I see the arguement already...I never replaced the sprockets on any of my other vehicles...CORRECT! Try running a TDI with 1 tooth of slop on the cam because you did not replace all the chain sprockets and guides...BOOOM you just bought a head.