timing belt/chain-what's the difference?

Question

what is the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain? do timing chains have to be changed?

Answer 1

Timing belts are made of rubber...timing chains are metal. The belts need to be changed every 60000 miles (depending on the car ..I usually changed it around 100,000 ). Chains do not get changed.

Answer 2

mrfinger86's answer is not fully correct: the belt is technically outside of the engine, but both timing belts and chains are found underneath the valve covers of an engine--NOT VISIBLE unless the valve cover is removed.

Timing chains are just that--chains. They don't typically need to be replaced, but sometimes they do stretch/ warp, and that will cause an engine to run poorly and possibly critically unsafe. They are more expensive to replace in both parts and labor--it is more difficult to change a chain than a belt, and the part itself is also more expensive.

Belts WILL break over time. Usually not before 120000 miles, but it depends on the belt and use. Most service manuals for modern cars recommend changing them anywhere from 60K to 100K miles. DON'T LET IT BREAK! An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure, seriously.

Some engines can be VERY seriously damaged if the timing belt breaks. So replace it according to the service interval foudn int he owner's manual, and you should be OK.

Replacing a timing belt/chain is not a DIY job, unless you have substantial experience with engines already, and the proper tools...

Answer 3

Yeah Lonestar is right, they usually just go, but I just had one go out and prior to it going out, I had problems starting it. Seems sometimes they can become worn and slip, setting the timing off, and thus the starting of the car also. But I don't think a 83 dodge ram has a belt, it might be a chain. You can call your local auto parts store and get some more info. I kind of feel like it could be a blown head gasket. That would cause it to run rough, and also overheat, which might be why it cuts off and doesn't start. Check the oil and see if you see any signs of oil in it. If you do have a bad gasket, and it isn't to bad, you might want to try using some liquid glass. You can buy it at the parts store, it's simple to use. I've fixed three cars that I was told needed to go to the junkyard, with that stuff. Good luck.

Answer 4

Timing belts are mostly used on today's modern engines. Timing belts connect the the crankshaft to the cam shaft. A timing belt tension pulley is used to provide a tight fit. This work very well in racing and everyday driving. Timing chains perform the same function as timing belts, but are becoming more obsolete.

Answer 5

On some cars the timing belts have to be changed every 30.000 miles and the mileage goes up from there.

Chains do have to be changed if the chain is worn out, or the slack adjuster, won't take the slack out of the chain. Usually find slack chains on engines that are high mileage engines.

Answer 6

the difference is just that belt and chain the belts have to be changed about every 100,000 miles and chains generally don't need changed unless they break

Answer 7

a timing belt is on the outside of the moter, chains are inside,
Belts wear out faster than chains. Timing chains don't get changed unless you are taking the moter apart,
If you change a timing chain you need to change the gears at the same time. Belts you just have to change the belt.

Answer 8

Timing-belt is at least partly fiber and or rubber whereas a timing chain is metal. If either breaks the engine fibrillates,

Answer 9

yes they do,,and the difference,, is one is made of rubber,,and is on the outside of the motor,,and easier to change,,the other which is the timing chain,,is in side the motor,, and is made of steel,, and is hard to change,,and either one will cost you more money to change if you run it till it breaks,,i hope this help,s.

Answer 10

no, timing belts are the ones to change.

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