![]() There are no fixed maintenance intervals, unlike a timing belt, making maintenance costs a lot lower. If all parts involved are working correctly, timing chains last for many kilometres. They can also be used to cover relatively long distances. 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?. ![]()
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