It is called the part that allows the crankshaft and the camshaft to be connected to each other simultaneously. The material is a little soft due to its structure and there are various teeth on it. With the help of the teeth on it, the camshaft of the car and the crankshaft are provided simultaneously. The timing belt is one of the most important parts in the auto engine. Then, the movement of the valves moves the tensioner balls located at the ends of the camshaft, so there is simultaneous operation here. The general purpose of the timing belt is to ensure that the two parts work properly with each other.
How Does The Timing Belt Work?
It organizes the rise and fall of the valves on the camshaft and the pistons on the crankshaft. In other words, when the piston is pushed down as a result of the explosion of the trapped fuel, the valve opens downwards, sending the waste gas to the manifold, and then closes immediately, making the system ready for the next explosion. The next task is to open the intake valve to let fresh air in, and meanwhile the fuel is sprayed through the injectors. Both valves close and the piston compresses the air inside. At the point where the compression is at its highest level, the spark plug ignites and the compressed fuel inside explodes and the piston is pushed down again with tremendous force. This synchronized operation continues smoothly at high speeds and high powers. It is the timing belt or chain that provides this synchronization. The synchronized movement of 4 valves (there may be 2 in some vehicles) on each piston, or these parts, which we also call valves, rotates the crankshaft and the flywheel connected to it. This rotational movement is transferred to the wheels via the clutch and the vehicle moves.
What Happens if The Timing Belt Breaks?
Over the years and with temperature changes depending on the mileage, the belt loses its properties and stretches. Cracks form on the camshaft or crankshaft gear while rotating at high speed and torque. Over time, these cracks cause parts of the gear to break off or even cause the tooth to break off completely. If the change is not made on time, the number of these cracks increases and the gear gets stuck and breaks. The rupture occurs while in motion and metal impact sounds are heard. If your vehicle is automatic, the vehicle slows down by putting itself in neutral. When the timing belt breaks, the valves working simultaneously with the pistons stop. (exhaust and intake valves) the pistons that continue to move suddenly start to hit the stopped valves, and if the valves break or even a piece breaks off and falls into the cylinder, much more heavy costs will be incurred.
Why Does The Timing Belt Break?
The reason for the timing belt break is the circulation water pump. As a result of using poor quality and inappropriate engine cooling water or corrosion in the cooling system, if the circulation pump is blocked, it can reach enough force to break the timing belt. For this reason, it is also important to renew the circulation pump when the belt is renewed. At the time of the disconnection, continuous cranking is usually done to start the problem because it is not immediately obvious. Do not do this, as loud noises will come from the starter motor anyway. The starter will return to naught. That’s where you know there’s a problem. Since the timing error has already been resolved, you continue cranking, causing the pistons to hit the valves more. When the timing belt breaks, they usually call it a complete overhaul, but contrary to popular belief, this is not the case. Sometimes, when the timing belt breaks, all the valves remain in the closed position, and sometimes the valve does not lose its shape even if there are minor collisions. Additionally, some vehicles have systems that prevent piston and valve impact.
Is There Any Cost For Timing Belt Breakage?
Timing breakage is not an expense in every vehicle. Most automobile manufacturers want to keep the compression ratios high and ensure that the piston reaches the highest point in the cylinder in order to obtain higher power from the vehicle. Therefore, even in a small timing error, such as when you jump-start the vehicle and the timing gear jumps, that is, when the engine synth breaks down, the piston rises to the top and hits the valves that do not close. However, some manufacturers prevent the piston from hitting the valves at the moment of rupture by giving a little margin from the compression, leaving a margin between the valve and the piston.
