The timing chain, especially when buying a used car, evokes several emotions at the same time. On the one hand, the steel, flexible element fuels a sense of confidence and reliability. While, on the other hand, it causes distrust and anxiety, running into expensive repairs.
Automotive technology does not stand still. The requirements for the efficiency of motors and their power are rapidly growing upwards. Entire systems and units are changing.
So not popular before, the timing drive, in the form toothed belt, today it is practically comparable in reliability with the chain. Meanwhile, the "strong" chain is gradually losing ground.
The resource of the latter was significantly reduced in the era of the appearance of forced and turbo engines. Literally over the past 10-15 years, the concept of "half a million" for motors has become a thing of the past.
At the same time, the life of the chain mechanism has decreased from 350 to 150 thousand kilometers, while for the belt mechanism, on the contrary, it has increased to 120 (for some models up to 200 thousand kilometers)
Rating of the most vulnerable models
SsangYong Actyon- Gas engine G20, working volume of 2 liters, 149 hp. Applies this motor, just on korean SUV 2nd generation.
The well-known weakness place - drive Timing. The average chain resource is about 70 thousand kilometers. approximate cost replacement of about 20 thousand rubles, half of which are spare parts.
Skoda Octavia- we are talking about the second generation of A5. Applied 1.8 liter turbo engine, 152 hp. and torque 250 N.m. Good traction performance and high efficiency, turned into a low reliability of the chain element.
Most often, by a run of 65 thousand, car owners are faced with such a problem. The motor was also installed on Skoda Superb 2 generations and Yeti of the first version.
Suzuki Grand Vitara- compact japanese crossover and without that, is not particularly popular on Russian market. On top of that, in the design of the car, the manufacturer clearly does not use modern technologies.
So the chain, a two-liter gasoline unit, lives about 120 thousand km. There are two of them in the drive itself, so the repair cost will be more expensive. Also, don't forget the seal. crankshaft. Its leakage on this run is not uncommon.
Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI- gasoline engine With mechanical supercharger and a turbine, just a storehouse of power. Its dynamic performance delights, and its high efficiency pleasantly warms the soul.
The question remains only whether a small motor, pumped up to 150 forces, can cope with such a load for a long time. Unfortunately no. The chain transmission simply “crumbles”, sometimes without having worked even 50 thousand kilometers. Not without reason, Volkswagen abandoned this motor in new generation Tiguana.
Peugeot 308 (1st generation)- a whole range of engines built on the basis of a 1.6 liter engine with the EP-6 index. Most often, there is an atmospheric version and a turbo version, with capacities of 120 and 150 hp. respectively.
All these related power plants, got general illness. Low chain resource. Basically, troubles occur on a run of 80-90 tons. Km. The engine was also installed on the Peugeot 3008, Citroen C3 Picasso and Citroen C4 models.
Skoda Fabia- a small and nimble car, from the Czech concern. The range of motors is extensive. Among which, the family with a working volume of 1.2 liters stands out.
These power units have three cylinders and are famous for their high efficiency. The disadvantage is the same as the above cars. The limit of operation of the chain, about 90 thousand.
UAZ Patriot- Russian full SUV With carrier frame. Decent off-road potential and ease of repair, this is the main trump card of the Ulyanovsk all-terrain vehicle.
A weak point in the timing drive is typical for all modifications of the ZMZ-409 gasoline engines. The resource of the chain and tensioner is excessively small, about 35-50 thousand kilometers. It was also installed on the Hunter and the Cargo pickup.
In custody
Manufacturers stopped making eternal cars. Now they are more like disposables. As if after a certain mileage, you just need to throw it away and buy a new one.
Repair, too, "keeps pace" with the times. Instead of replacing one part, we are often forced to buy the entire assembly. Moreover, the design is such that the car owner has no choice.
» What to choose: chain or belt, poles and cons
Car buyers often wonder what is better to choose a timing chain or timing belt?
In the driving environment whole line critical issues that do not have a clear answer. These include, for example, disputes about mechanical transmission and "automatic", front and rear wheel drive, gasoline or diesel engine version, etc. The dilemma between the chain and belt drive of the gas distribution mechanism is also very relevant, and there is no single correct solution to this issue.
Features of the timing chain device.
If almost all motorists are familiar with a belt drive, then the use of a chain as a timing part is much less common, which means that not everyone has come across it. Most older models of engines used double row chains which were almost impossible to break. It stands on toothed gears and actuated the gas distribution mechanism, synchronizing the work with the crankshaft flywheel. Today, single-row chains are used, reminiscent of the chain of a conventional bicycle. During operation, it receives constant oil lubrication, which not only facilitates operation, but also reduces its heating. Due to the need to install an additional bath with lubrication, the block and cylinder head need to be seriously lengthened, which negatively affects the size of the motor and weight.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a chain in a gas distribution mechanism.
The main advantage of the timing chain transmission is an increased resource that is absolutely independent of the vehicle operation factors. Chains are not afraid of frost or heat. Tolerates rain and snow. These factors do not have any significant effect. Thanks to the use of chains, the working phases of the gas distribution can be much more accurately adjusted. The chain is pulled out much more slowly, and throughout almost the entire service life there will be no violation of the set settings and, as a result, loss of power of the power unit. We also highlight the fact that chain drive motors are able to withstand more serious overloads than motors with a belt.
Advantages and disadvantages of using timing belts.
The "pluses" of using a timing belt include its elasticity. In the process of functioning, this quality allows you to maintain the integrity of the beds of the shafts. The belt is much less noisy. and no additional lubrication is required. While the stretched chain needs to be replaced, the belt can be easily tightened by means of a special tensioner, often working automatically. Replacing the timing belt drive is much cheaper, and the size of the motor on which it is installed is very small.
Among the shortcomings of timing belts, its exposure to external factors operation. The belt is very “afraid” of any oil leaks and is extremely negative about water getting on its surface. The main disadvantage of belts is the susceptibility to breakage when worn too much, which in the vast majority of cases leads to bending of the cylinder head valves. Eliminating such annoyances will be extremely expensive.
Chain or belt?
Majority largest manufacturers prefers chain drives. So concerns Opel and BMW put them on almost all their cars. German concern Volkswagen and Ford Focus applies chains on mid-price and top models. Company Peugeot also equip their modern engines such as a chain. However, for example, Japanese and South Korean companies often install belts, regardless of the class of car, and among the same Bavarians, many motorists remember the excellent M40 power unit, which used precisely the timing belt transmission.
For drivers, we would also recommend chains. They are noticeably more reliable, and have a significantly lower risk of breakage with all the ensuing consequences. Yes, the maintenance of timing chain drives is more expensive, but due to the increased functional resource, the chain has to be changed almost twice as often as the belt, which roughly equalizes all the necessary costs.
Chain advantages:
- increased reliability
- designed to last the life of the car
- low chance of breaking
Flaws:
- high noise level
- costly repairs if broken
- difficult access for repair
Chain replacement
It is worth choosing a specific day to replace the chain, as this requires a lot of work and tools, but for different models cars required different time for replacement. It is better to replace official dealer, their working practice is much higher and fewer unforeseen situations may arise. But do not forget that their prices are higher and spare parts are more expensive.
For a high price you get:
- original spare parts
- guarantee for labor and spare parts
- quality work
If the price of spare parts is high for you, there is an option to buy them yourself in a store, but you will no longer receive a guarantee. You decide.
Timing replacement
You can essentially replace the timing belt in the garage yourself, if you know all the necessary nuances of your engine, but all this also depends on its design features, it is likely that the internal combustion engine will have to be removed from the support, which you will agree is not very convenient without a lift.
On small engines, this is not at all difficult to do than on larger ones, and even more so V- figurative engines where the belt length can be three meters and installed on five overrunning rollers, 4 camshaft pulleys, a pump pulley, and a crankshaft, and the distance between the engine and the side member is 10 centimeters, so you might think that it is easier to change the chain or the belt. So the choice is yours!
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Gas distribution mechanism of the engine - principle of operation
The most reliable engines are presented to the attention of motorists passenger cars mobiles according to experts.
10. AWM
The AWM series of power units open the top ten most reliable motors for cars. They were first created in 1987 and still these motors enjoy unprecedented popularity on many cars. German made- Volkswagen, Audi and many others. AWM are durable, reliable and unpretentious. by the most powerful engines from the AWM series are APG and AWA motors. The first engine is eight-valve with Digifant injection. Its volume is 1.8 liters, the power is high - 160 hp. with a torque of 228 Nm / 3800 rpm. Most wide application this power unit found in cars Volkswagen Passat B5. The second motor is a much larger volume - 2.8l. At the same time, its power is 175 hp. at 240 Nm/4000 rpm
Mersedes M266 is one of the most reliable engines for passenger cars. The 4-cylinder petrol engine is an evolution of the previous M166, known from first A-Class and Vaneo. The engine received a specific design, as it had to be placed at a large slope in a close engine compartment. The engineers relied on simplicity: only one timing chain and 8-valve gas distribution mechanism. Mechanical very reliable. Injector malfunctions are very rare.
Suzuki DOHC "M" engines are on the eighth line in the list of the most reliable engines. The power units of the "M" series include small-capacity motors 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8. The latter is exclusively for the Australian market. On the European continent, the power unit is found in almost all small and medium Suzuki models that appeared at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, and in the Fiat Sedici 1.6, which is a copy of the Suzuki SX4. The mechanical part of the engine is very reliable and durable. Even the phase change system is not satisfactory VVT valve timing used by most engine modifications. It is not only in the 1.3-liter version, designed for Ignis and Jimny until 2005, and the old 1.5 modifications for the SX4. The timing chain drive is very reliable. Among the minor drawbacks, small oil leaks through the crankshaft oil seal can be noted. More serious malfunctions practically do not occur.
Honda D-series is ranked seventh in the top most reliable engines for passenger cars. Honda's D-series is, first of all, the legendary D15B and all their modifications. First of all, it is worth considering precisely these motors, which had greatest influence on the development of single-shaft engines in the world. The Honda D-series engine is an almost perfect design. Transversely installed in engine compartment inline four, rotating according to the “laws of Honda”, counterclockwise with a belt drive. Innings fuel mixture was carried out through a carburetor, through two carburetors (a unique development from Honda), through a mono-injection system (supply of atomized fuel to intake manifold), and injection feed. Moreover, all these options met simultaneously in one model. The reliability of this series has become the standard for simple single-shaft engines. They were produced from 1984 to 2005.
Mitsubishi 4G63 is one of the best and most reliable engines for passenger car. The first modification 4G63 appeared back in 1981, and continues to be produced to this day with minor changes. Excellent specifications of this motor are combined with its excellent reliability. Engines of the 4G63 family are four-cylinder power units that have a volume of 2.0 liters and power from 109 to 144 Horse power. The 4g63 engine has cast iron block cylinders and an aluminum head, which allows for maximum resistance to overheating.
Toyota 3S-FE is one of the most reliable passenger car engines. Modification 3S FE was one of the first Toyota with a direct fuel injection system. The use of an injector made it possible to significantly improve the power characteristics of the new motor, its work on idling, also in comparison with the carburetor version of this engine, fuel consumption has been significantly reduced. Myself Toyota engine The 3S FE is actually an upgraded version of the 3S, so it retains its legendary reliability and relative simplicity of design. A feature of this power unit is the presence of two ignition coils, which improves the quality of the flammability of the fuel-air mixture. The 3S engine works confidently on 92 and 95 gasoline. Depending on its version, the power indicator can range from 115 to 130 horsepower. The motor shows the maximum torque already from the very bottom, so the car owners did not experience a lack of traction.
Opel 20ne is one of the ten most reliable engines for passenger cars. This member of the GM Family II engine family became famous for often outliving the cars it was installed on. Simple design: 8 valves, belt drive camshaft And simple system multipoint injection are the secrets to longevity. Power different options ranges from 114 to 130 hp. Motors were produced from 1987 to 1999 and installed on models such as Kadett, Astra, Vectra, Omega, Frontera, Calibra, as well as Australian Holden and American Buick and Oldsmobile. In Brazil, they even produced a turbocharged version of the engine - Lt3 with a capacity of 165 hp.
The BMW M60 opens the top three most "indestructible" engines for a passenger car. The use of a nickel-silicon coating (Nikasil) makes the cylinders of such a motor virtually wear-free. By half a million kilometers, often the engine does not even need to be changed piston rings. simplicity of design, high power, a good margin of safety puts the M60 among the best.
The BMW M57 is on the list of the most reliable passenger car engines. power unit was designed by BMW and its production began in 1998. The motor has several of its modifications, changes and improvements were made as performance was studied, and not all implemented engineering improvements had the same effect on the reliability of the unit. The main innovation of this engine was the injection system diesel fuel « common rail", with the help of which it was possible to achieve high performance engine operation. An important characteristic of all M57 engines is their ability to provide high torque at low revs crankshaft (exact data depends on modification) and average values maximum speed, which led to an increase in the service life.
Mercedes-Benz OM602 tops the list of the most reliable passenger car engines. In 1985 the company mercedes benz introduced diesel engine OM602 for a passenger car that stood out highest reliability and took its place in the history of the automotive industry. The resource of this 5-cylinder diesel engine was more than 500,000 km, there were cases when cars with such an engine traveled more than 1 million kilometers without engine overhaul. In 1996 they were released new modification OM602 engine called OM602.982 with direct injection fuel and a power of 129 horsepower. This diesel engine has unique characteristics economy (7.9 l / 100 km in the urban cycle for the C class), significant torque at low revs and a fairly quiet operation, despite direct injection.
For many experienced motorists when buying a car one of important factors is the type of timing gear drive - chain or belt. As for newcomers, they often ignore such important point, assuming it is not significant. In fact, this is an important design point on which the operation of the car depends in the future. Let's figure out which is better and more reliable - a timing belt or a timing chain. But for this it is worth understanding the features of the work of each of them, the advantages and disadvantages.
Operating principle
The main task of the timing (gas distribution mechanism) is to organize the process of supplying the finished fuel mixture to the engine and eliminating gases after its combustion. The supply of fuel mixed with air is carried out through special valves that open and close at a strictly defined period of time. By the way, camshafts are responsible for the latter process.
In most car models, the engine structurally has two camshafts, which are located in the upper part of the engine and are responsible for the processes of opening (closing) the valves. Such engines are often referred to as "DOHC". But how is the rotation of these camshafts? This is where the timing chain or belt is connected to work, the condition of which the motorist must monitor with special attention. This moment very important, because the life of the engine as a whole depends on it.
By the way, damage to the timing chain or belt is very frequent malfunction in the practice of many motorists. In this case, the valves may not have time to close, and the pistons hit them with all their force. Bottom line - expensive overhaul. That is why the reliability of this element is one of the key factors.
Timing chain mechanism: pros and cons
Now you can consider in more detail the features of the gas distribution chain. What are the benefits? In principle, it is one, but very significant - durability. Chains are able to move away without replacement much more mileage. Sometimes you can travel up to 350-400 thousand kilometers without any problems in work. For people who often and a lot drive a car, this is a big plus, for example, the same taxi drivers. As a result, the potential risks of getting an engine overhaul on one “fine” day are minimal.
But there are also disadvantages - the high noise of the timing chain. Of course, in a cabin with good sound insulation, they will not interfere, but here the matter is different. Many experts are able to catch engine malfunctions by the sound of its operation. But when the chain rattles, it is almost impossible to do this. In addition, if given element still fails or requires replacement, then you need to be prepared for a complex and expensive process. There is no way to save here.
Timing belt: pros and cons
The main advantages of this type of drive are low level noise, unlike the chain mechanism. The motor with a belt runs much quieter, which allows an experienced craftsman to identify the slightest malfunctions. And yet, if it becomes necessary to replace the belt, then it is much cheaper to do it. That is why the owners of a car with a belt drive try not to delay the replacement and do it every 40-50 thousand kilometers.
As for the shortcomings, there are many more. As we have already mentioned, the belts "walk" relatively little. As practice shows, on most cars they are torn without overcoming the 100,000th barrier. This is what caused the haste of many motorists with a replacement. As for the procedure itself, it is unlikely that it will be possible to do it yourself - it is advisable to go to a specialized service. Such work often costs about 25-30 thousand rubles (a single tariff rate no - a lot depends on the requests of the service station).
The need to periodically replace the timing belt gives the motorist a lot additional problems, for example, from the search for a quality car service and a store with original spare parts. In addition, you have to constantly monitor the timing of belt replacement, so as not to miss the moment. If you buy a used car with a belt, then it is better to install a new belt almost in the first place.
So which is better?
After all the above, we can draw certain conclusions. Based on the positions of reliability and economy in the future, the chain drive looks more attractive. The main thing - when choosing a car, immediately be interested in the type of engine. It happens that the selected model can only have a chain or, conversely, a belt drive.
conclusions
In any case, the presence of a timing chain or belt rarely becomes a determining factor when choosing a car. But it is also not necessary to completely discard this factor, because, as we have already figured out, it is quite important in terms of further operation. Good luck.
Many motorists like to argue among themselves about whether. To establish the truth, you need to know what advantages the chain has in the engine, the disadvantages of the chain, and also what it is for and what design features the chain drive has.
Read in this article
materiel
IN car engine a metal chain is used in one node: in. To understand its purpose, it is worth remembering the operation of the mechanism itself.
So while the engine is running internal combustion on many fuel-air mixture enters the cylinders through The combustion chamber is separated from the manifold. After combustion, the exhaust gases are already removed through, which also separates the cylinder from the manifold. Valves close under the influence of valve springs. And they open under the influence of cams.
The cams are located on the axis of the shaft in such a way as to open some valves while others are closed. The position of the cams relative to the valves changes as the camshaft rotates. In turn, it rotates due to . Therefore, it is necessary to somehow transfer the rotation from one shaft to another.
The circuit in the engine performs this function. The chain has been replaced on many makes and models of machines. It is quite rare to find a hybrid drive in which the chain and belt are installed at the same time. In addition, the drive may additionally consist of several gears.
The chain drive on the gas distribution mechanism has been used for a long time and is not at all a relic of the past, as inexperienced motorists mistakenly believe. The solution is used today, and by such giants of the automotive industry as BMW, Toyota, Mitsubishi and many others. The reason for this is the following advantages:
- Strength. The chain rarely gets mechanical damage;
- Wear resistance. With proper care, the timing chain resource is from 100 to 200 thousand kilometers;
- Chain life is not affected by low or high temperatures;
- The chain under load does not stretch (stretching of the chain occurs, but only over time, as the resource is depleted);
- Resistance to local sharp overloads;
Disadvantages of timing chain drive
- Increased weight. In some cases, this point will seem controversial, and sometimes the weight really matters. For example, in racing cars.
- The complexity of the design, more technologically advanced and costly production. That is, a higher cost of spare parts for the end user. In addition, the design of the entire timing drive itself becomes more complicated, since a damper, a chain tensioner, is needed. These parts also fail and often create additional problems.
- Difficulty of replacement. In order to replace or at least check the circuit in the car engine, you will have to remove a special cover on the cover of the block itself (depending on the make and model of the car).
Some motorists cannot or do not want to perform these operations on their own, as a result they are forced to spend extra money in car services. In addition, it will be necessary to correctly set the position of the crankshaft and camshaft when replacing, which adds to the hassle.
- Noise. Even new chain will make more noise during engine operation than a belt.
How to understand that it's time to change the chain in the engine
The timing chain, despite its wear resistance, also has to be changed. Most often this happens due to the fact that it is stretched.
That is, its length increases by several millimeters. As a result, the tension worsens, the chain often jumps by 1-2 gear teeth. All this can lead to extremely negative consequences. For example, to a jammed engine.
The most disturbing signal that will attract attention even inexperienced driver, is a characteristic noise made by a stretched chain: rattling and rubbing sound of the chain. This is audible even taking into account the general noise during engine operation. In this case, it is even possible that the engine will stall, as the chain jumps 1-2 teeth and gas distribution is disturbed.
But, it goes without saying that it is better not to bring up such symptoms, but to regularly check the chain tension. You can also look at mileage. A chain for an engine of one type or another has a certain average resource (depending on the model and make of the car). As a rule, this is an indicator of 100 thousand kilometers. To calm your conscience, you can check or replace the timing chain earlier. For example, after 60-80 thousand km.
Read also
Why does the valve bend when it breaks drive belt or chains: the reasons for the break. How to find out if the valves are bent on a particular gasoline or diesel engine.
