Timing Belt

[tools113]

I have read nothing about a timing belt on the Mini engine. Does it have one or do they use a chain?

[quicksprint]

They use a chain. steve

[tools113]

Thanks!!!

[Fabio]

Whats the difference between the chain and the belt?

[soopercharger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fabio

Whats the difference between the chain and the belt?

The timing chain drives the camshaft (internally) and the belt/s drives all the other bits like the alternator, water pump and supercharger

[tools113]

A Timing Belt does the same as a Timing Chain but must be changed at a predetermined time. The belts wear and deteriate. Most US and Japanise Motors use them now instead of the Chain especially the over head cam engines.

[obehave]

Quote: Originally Posted by tools113

A Timing Belt does the same as a Timing Chain but must be changed at a predetermined time. The belts wear and deteriate. Most US and Japanise Motors use them now instead of the Chain especially the over head cam engines.

Belt=cheaper
A chain will also stretch over time and they do break. Just much less frequently than a belt.

[Fabio]

thanks for the info!!

[Barnabas]

You gotta change out the timing chain also, but like someone said not as frequently as a belt. You'll know when you need to change Your car will make funny noises, and not good ones

[pocketrocketowner]

Most USA V-8's use chains to drive the camshaft, even though it is not an overhead one. The sexiest noise out of an engine I have ever heard is when you fit gears to drive the camshaft on said V-8's. Better than a howling S, and that is saying something.......

Biggest difference between a belt and a chain..... belt=rubber, chain = steel
Biggest similarity: S&M people seem to be into both

[Gr8Dain]

When a belt brakes, the car is dead. Stop right in your tracks.

When a chain goes, you tend to just lose a link or two so your timimg skips and the car seems to sputter. BUT you can get it to a shop without a tow. I got 300K miles on my 1969 GTO's first timing chain. When I had it replaced, the mechanic was amazed at how thick and heavy it was. It was three chains wide basically. He showed me the spec replacement chain and we both decided to use a beefier aftermarket chain that was as thick as the original. Hopefully I can get another 300K out of it.