Chains Vs. belts

WoLfFaNgZ · Oct 13th, 2005, 11:42 PM

this question came to me when i read the "metal Timing belts?" thread

Why do some engines have timing belts and some chains?
what are the advantages of chain?
what are tha advantages of having a belt?

sentra97gxe · Oct 14th, 2005, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoLfFaNgZ

this question came to me when i read the "metal Timing belts?" thread

Why do some engines have timing belts and some chains?
what are the advantages of chain?
what are tha advantages of having a belt?

Belts are lighter if anything and cheaper. A chain is better in my opinion cuz they're made to last the life of the motor. The disadvantage of a belt is it can snap much easier and if so, bye bye motor.

Mitch

Twiz · Oct 14th, 2005, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sentra97gxe

The disadvantage of a belt is it can snap much easier and if so, bye bye motor.

Only if it's an interference engine... I don't think they put belts on those, they use a chain.

WoLfFaNgZ · Oct 14th, 2005, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twiz

Only if it's an interference engine... I don't think they put belts on those, they use a chain.

My b11 uses a belt and its and interference engine. my belt broke a long time ago and killed 4 valves and it needed a new head.

98sr20ve · Oct 14th, 2005, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twiz

Only if it's an interference engine... I don't think they put belts on those, they use a chain.

Most engines use belts, most engine are also interference engines. It's rare that they are not.

They use belts to try and make the engine as quiet as possible. Also, it keeps the service department busy.

Kindfiend · Oct 16th, 2005, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98sr20ve

Most engines use belts, most engine are also interference engines. It's rare that they are not.

They use belts to try and make the engine as quiet as possible. Also, it keeps the service department busy.

Toyota's have the only non-interference engines I can think of off the top of my head. My old Honda's had belts and were interference.

And yeah, they like to charge at least 300 dollars for changing a timing belt.

98sr20ve · Oct 16th, 2005, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kindfiend

Toyota's have the only non-interference engines I can think of off the top of my head. My old Honda's had belts and were interference.

And yeah, they like to charge at least 300 dollars for changing a timing belt.

My old Volvo as a non interference engine as well.

captain_shrapnel · Oct 17th, 2005, 10:41 AM

Thank god for teh chain

bahearn · Oct 18th, 2005, 03:44 PM

Belts
Good: quiet, inexpensive, dampens crankshaft pulses to cam(s)
Bad: relatively short life span

Chains
Good: long life
Bad: louder than belt, more expensive than belt, transmits more crankshaft pulses to cam(s)

Gears
Good: ultimate in cam timing consistency, longest lived
Bad: very loud, no pulse damping, heavy, v. expensive