Car Timing Belt
Car timing belt is an internal engine element that moving round the engine’s cam and crankshaft in sync and ensures that each cylinder working at the right time. The timing belt is located under a timing cover and is in the front of the engine. It is usually manufactured out of good quality rubber with nylon-reinforced cords inside to prolong the life of the belt. However, if there is greater forces inside your motor it will cause the timing belt spoilt and need to be replaced. Without a fully working timing belt, your engine will not run.
The timing belt can be found in cars and SUVs with smaller engines. When an engine has a larger bore and stroke, most automotive manufacturers utilize a timing chain system that replaces the rubber belt with a metal chain. With the timing chains , it is long lasting than timing belts while some rated to last the lifetime of the car. Most automotive manufacturers have a pre-decided recommendation on when you should replace the timing belt, but there are a few warning indicators that a problem occurred.
Here are some common sign that might indicate that your timing belt is wearing out or has broken
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Ticking sound coming from the engine
The timing belt is attached by way of a series of pulleys to the engine’s crank and camshaft. The crankshaft powers the engine’s connecting rods which are attached to pistons inside the combustion chamber. The camshaft operates the cylinder head valves and rocker arm assembly, which sends fuel into the combustion chamber and expels burnt gases out of the exhaust manifold. When the timing belt starts to wear out, it may create ticking sound . This warning sign may also be the signal of low oil pressure or the engine not having the proper amount of lubrication. The timing belt is so important to the operation of your vehicle, if you notice this warning sign, you should contact a mechanic soonest.
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Engine misfires
A worn out timing belt might also affect the engine’s fire rate. The timing belt is connect to the pulleys that drive the crank and camshaft. However, sometimes the belt will slip on the camshaft drive and cause one cylinder to open or close premature than it should. This might cause a misfire situation if it is not change soon and may result in engine damage later.
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Oil leaking from in front of the motor
It is also typical that the engine will leak oil from the timing belt cover. The cover is tighten by a series of nuts and bolts that may become loosen after some time . Another problem that will cause oil to leak is when the gasket between the engine block and timing cover wears out, is cracked or has been installed improper . Leaking oil from the timing belt cover results in engine too hot as well as prematurely wear the timing belt.
Usually it is difficult to detect the timing belt problem , However, you should check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to determine when is the last timing belt change and have the timing belt replaced by trusted mechanic.