Timing Belt Change
Timing Belt
Timing belts play a very import role in the your engine compartment. Engines will not run correctly without a fully functional timing belt. Timing belt problems can cause catastrophic engine failure if they are replaced incorrectly, if belt breaks, or if the belt slips out of synced timing.
What does a timing belt do?
The timing belt rotates the engine’s cam and crankshaft in synchronized order to ensure each cylinder combusts at the correct time. The timing belt controls the movement of the pistons, cams, and valves inside the engine cylinders to ensure the valves open in perfect timing with the pistons. If the timing is off, the engine could run erratically, miss fire, back fire, or just spin over and not crank. The timing belt is located inside a plastic housing, or cover, which protects it from oil and debris that could contaminate the belt. Timing belts are made of industrial rubber laced with nylon cords. Even though it is made to last, and withstand the abuse, timing belts must be changed per manufacturer specifications and mileage. Most manufacturers recommend timing belts to be changed between 70,000-80,000 miles.
Timing Belt vs Timing Chain
- Timing belts and timing chains are responsible for achieving the same goal of keeping your engines cam, valves, and pistons in synchronized order. There are a few differences in the engines that use timing belts and timing chains. Timing belt engines have a hydraulic tensioner that applies tension to the industrial rubber belt to ensure your timing belt does not slip. Most 4-cylinder engines are equipped with timing belts. Timing chains are in larger engines such as a v6 and v8. Timing chain engines use oil pressure regulated tensioners and timing guides to keep timing in synchronized order. Timing chains serve the same purpose as timing belts, but last longer. In fact, some manufacturers state that the timing chain does not need to be replaced and will last as long as the car.
Timing Belt Replacement
Timing belt replacements consist of a new timing belt, timing idler pulleys, and timing tensioner. At Jason’s Auto we also replace the water pump, cam seals, and crank seal when replacing the timing belt. This saves the customer money, and also insures to keep coolant and oil off of the timing belt. We also give a 24 month/ 24,000 mile warranty on parts and labor on this repair.
Timing Belt / Timing Chain Failure
- Timing belt or timing chain failure is never a good scenario. Depending on which motor type you have it could be catastrophic. There are two types of timing belt or timing chain engines. The first one is an interference engine. Interference engines are motors where one or more of the valves in fully open position, extends into the area the piston travels. The second type is a non- interference engine. In non-Interference engines, pistons do not travel into any area in which the valves are fully open. Below is a list of interference and non-interference motors.
Vehicles Serviced
We provide top notch maintenance service for all types of vehicles both foreign and domestic. We are certified to service and repair the following makes.
- Acura
- Audi
- BMW
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Fiat
- Ford
- GMC
- Honda
- Hummer
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- Isuzu
- Jaguar
- Jeep
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Lexus
- Lincoln
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mercury
- Mini
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Pontiac
- Ram
- Saab
- Saturn
- Scion
- Subaru
- Suzuki
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
Service Areas
We provide auto repair and maintenance services in Shelby County, Jefferson County, and the surrounding areas. We service but are not limited to the following areas.
Alabaster, Bessemer, Brierfield, Calera, Chelsea, Harpersville, Helena, Jemison, Leeds, McCalla, Montevallo, Pelham, Pleasant Grove, Saginaw, Shelby, Siluria, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Columbiana, Vincent, Mountain Brook, & surrounding areas.